'Parliament failed Ghana by not vetting her' - Serwaa Amihere slams Linda Ocloo

Serwaa Amihere (L) has criticised the Greater Accra Regional Minister (R)

Fri, 8 May 2026 Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ghanaian media personality Serwaa Amihere has criticised the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, following the minister’s controversial remarks suggesting that transfers to northern Ghana could be used as a form of punishment.

Speaking during an interactive session on the morning show on GHOne TV alongside her colleagues, Serwaa Amihere questioned the minister’s apology and described Parliament’s handling of her vetting as inadequate.

“That is the Accra Regional Minister’s statement. Even that apology is bogus because how do you apologise and say, ‘it has come to my attention’? You opened your mouth to say something. Didn’t you know what you said?” she stated.

She further argued that Parliament failed in its duty by approving the minister without thoroughly vetting her views and competence.

“Parliament did Ghana a great disservice by not vetting her,” she added.

Serwaa Amihere also dismissed claims that her criticism was rooted in opposition to women in leadership, insisting that her concerns were based solely on the minister’s comments and conduct.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Linda Ocloo during a demolition exercise at the Sakumono Ramsar Site on May 5, 2026. In a video that quickly went viral, the minister warned officials of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) against issuing permits for illegal structures.

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According to her, some officials who engaged in misconduct had previously been transferred to northern Ghana as punishment.

“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,” she said.

The comment triggered widespread backlash, with many Ghanaians describing it as offensive and inappropriate toward people living in the northern parts of the country.

Following the criticism, Linda Ocloo issued a public apology on May 5, 2026, explaining that her statement was a “genuine slip in communication” and did not reflect her personal views or government policy.

“I wish to state, without reservation, that the comments captured in the video were a genuine slip in communication and do not reflect my considered views, nor do they represent the established policies and procedures governing staff postings within the Public Service,” she stated.

The minister clarified that she intended to refer to officers being reassigned to areas far from their places of residence and admitted that her wording created the wrong impression.

“I sincerely acknowledge the concerns that this has generated and offer my unreserved apology to all Ghanaians, especially my brothers and sisters in the Northern Regions, for any misunderstanding, offence, or discomfort caused,” she added.