The Minority in Parliament has criticised comments attributed to Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, which suggested that postings to northern Ghana could be used as a form of punishment, describing the remarks as damaging to national unity and the integrity of the public service.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 6 May, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, Deputy Ranking Member on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, stressed that “no part of the country is a disciplinary outpost,” adding that all regions of Ghana are “equal in dignity, equal in worth, and equal in promise.”
“To frame any part of the nation as a punitive destination is to diminish its people… and undermine the collective project of nation-building,” he said.
Stigma
Bekoe rejected what he described as a “politically motivated, poorly informed” narrative, warning that such characterisations could stigmatise entire communities and weaken national cohesion.
He maintained that postings within the public service must be based on operational needs, fairness, and professional growth rather than informal punitive measures.
“Transfers within the public service are only acceptable when they are based on operational need… When used as sanctions outside established disciplinary procedures, they constitute an abuse of administrative authority,” he said.
Potential impact
The lawmaker also expressed concern about the possible effects on morale within the public sector. He cautioned that framing postings as punishment could reduce motivation and ultimately affect service delivery, particularly in regions that depend on consistent investment and skilled personnel.
Bekoe called on the government to reaffirm its commitment to fairness and unity by setting clear guidelines on transfers and ensuring a strict separation between administrative decisions and disciplinary processes.
Push to resign
The controversy follows earlier remarks by Ocloo, which she has since described as a “slip in communication.” She has apologised, stating that the comments do not reflect her views or official government policy.
The issue has sparked broader discussions across Ghana on regional equity, public service practices, and the language used by public officials.
Meanwhile, Effiduase/Asokore MP Nana Ayew Afriye has said the minister should have stepped down over the remarks. In a strongly worded response, he expressed disappointment, arguing that the comments demean people from northern Ghana and residents of the region.
“I never knew the good Ghanaians, and the many great Northern brethren we have grown, lived and worked with… are the punished Ghanaians,” he said.
“Madam, you don’t have to be sacked, just resign,” he added.
