Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo apologizes for 'north as punishment' comment

The comment, captured in a widely circulated video, occurred during a demolition exercise at the Sakumono Ramsar Site on May 5, 2026. Ocloo had warned staff of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council GARCC that sanctions, including transfers, would be applied to those who approve permits for illegal structures. She stated, “If you issue a permit to an illegal structure, knowing very well that the place is illegal, you will also face the law…some of them have been transferred to the north, just to serve as a kind of punishment for them, so that when they realise that what they did was wrong, they are brought back to Accra or other places.”

Following criticism, the minister released a statement on May 5, 2026, clarifying that her remarks were a communication slip and do not reflect her views or government policy on public service postings. She explained that she was addressing concerns about technocrats issuing development permits without due process and being reassigned to nearby districts, allowing the practice to continue. Ocloo apologized to all Ghanaians, especially those in the Northern Regions, for any misunderstanding or offense caused, and affirmed her commitment to fairness and due process in administrative decisions.

The demolition exercise at the Sakumono Ramsar Sit