Accra: Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, has expressed shock over comments made by Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, suggesting that postings to Northern Ghana are considered a punishment. He insists that these remarks should not be dismissed as mere slips in communication and is calling for the Minister's immediate resignation.
According to Ghana Web, the lawmaker described the Minister's comments as both offensive and unfortunate. He argued that a resignation would be the most honourable course of action, as it reflects the sentiment that what one says often reveals deeper beliefs. The controversy erupted after a video went viral in which the Minister implied that some public servants perceive transfers to Northern Ghana as punitive.
The remarks have sparked widespread criticism, especially among residents and natives of Northern Ghana, who view them as divisive and disrespectful. Dr Ayew Afriye emphasized the need for public officials to be cautious with their words, particularly when discussing topics that could exacerbate national divisions or reinforce negative stereotypes about certain regions.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Dr Ayew Afriye expressed his dismay, stating, "I never knew the good Ghanaians and many great northern brethren we have grown with, lived and worked with, either hailing from Northern Ghana, were then considered punished Ghanaians by an NDC Minister. Madam, you don't have to be sacked, just resign. I admire women in politics, but I'll never let my daughter get close to you. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks."
Despite the Minister's public apology, Dr Ayew Afriye maintains that the severity of the comments necessitates her resignation. Linda Ocloo has since apologized, characterizing her statement as a "slip in communication" and clarified that it does not represent her personal views or government policy on postings and transfers.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister has appealed to Ghanaians, particularly those in the northern regions, to forgive her for any harm caused by her statement, emphasizing that her comments were made in the context of addressing concerns about alleged irregularities within the public service.