Accra: 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 Ghana Web, Nabla stated that both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been more lenient 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, who came under fire after her utterances during a warning against permits for illegal developments were flagged as insensitive. During her remarks, she threatened officers with transfers to northern Ghana.
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, describing her remarks as a 'slip in communication' and stating 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, expressed her disappointment over the continued calls for Ocloo's 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 she believes is disproportionate criticism of women in leadership.
The PNP chairperson warned that the continued targeting of women in leadership positions sends a dangerous message to young Ghanaian women aspiring to enter public service and politics. She also questioned what she described as selective accountability in public life, accusing some critics and institutions of ignoring similar issues involving male officials.
In addition, Nabla criticised some civil society organisations and women's advocacy groups over their silence on matters concerning women in politics. She stated that organisations claiming to defend women's rights must not speak only when it is politically convenient.
The PNP chairperson called on the media, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the public to speak against what she 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.