PNP's Nabla defends Linda Ocloo after backlash

Chairperson of the People’s National Party (PNP), Janet Nabla, has criticised what she described as unfair treatment of women in Ghanaian politics, calling for clemency over Linda Ocloo's communication mishap.

She said that female leaders often face harsher public criticism than men involved in similar controversies.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh published on May 8, 2026, Nabla said both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have both been liberal with male officials involved in controversies compared to female appointees.

She argued that many of those men did not face the same public pressure to resign or be removed from office.

Her comments follow ongoing public criticism of Linda Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister.

Ocloo came under fire after her utterances during a warning against permits for illegal developments was flagged as insensitive.

During her remarks, she threatened officers with transfers to northern Ghana.

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The remarks sparked backlash on social media and in public discussions with many

critics accusing her of portraying northern postings negatively.

On May 5, 2026, Ocloo issued a public apology.

She termed the remarks as a ‘slip in communication’ and said they did not reflect her personal views or government policy.

Despite the apology, some groups and individuals have continued to demand her dismissal.

In light of this, PNP Chairperson, Janet Nabla, has registered her disappointment over the continued calls for her removal.

According to her the apology should have been enough to settle the matter.

She also pointed to past controversies involving female public figures such as Victoria Hammah, Betty Mould-Iddrisu, Dzifa Attivor and Cecilia Dapaah.

Nabla said these cases show what it believes is disproportionate criticism of women in leadership.

“The continued targeting of women in leadership positions sends a dangerous message to young Ghanaian women aspiring to enter public service and politics,” the report stated.

The PNP chair said the situation could discourage young women from entering politics and public service.

She also questioned what it described as selective accountability in public life.

Nabla accused some critics and institutions of ignoring similar issues involving male officials.

In addition, the PNP chair criticised some civil society organisations and women’s advocacy groups over their silence on matter bothering on women in politics.

“Organisations that claim to defend women’s rights must not speak only when it is politically convenient,” she said.

The PNP chairperson called on the media, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the public to speak against what it described as unfair treatment of women in leadership.

She also reaffirmed her party's commitment to fairness, equality before the law and the protection of women in public office.

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