Pressure is mounting on the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, following Leaders from the five Northern regions demanding her resignation.
The Northern leaders described the minister’s remarks as “a reckless affront to the dignity of an entire people.”
According to them, Northern Ghana is not and will never be a punishment destination.
Bernard Mornah, speaking in a statement issued on May 6, 2026, on behalf of the Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East and Upper West regions, stated, “Northern Ghana is not – and will never be – a penal destination for administrative discipline,” the statement said. “It is a vital and indispensable part of our republic, rich in history, culture, intellect, and contribution.”
They further argued that Linda Ocloo’s explanation does not address the seriousness of the comment.
In the statement, they also described the Minister’s remarks as an irony, citing President John Dramani Mahama, whom they say has strong ties to northern Ghana.
“For a beneficiary of such leadership to publicly demean the region is not only ironic, but also reflects poor judgment,” the statement added.
They also demanded three key actions: “a formal visit by the minister to engage traditional leaders, her resignation or dismissal, and a renewed government commitment to national unity and equal respect for all regions”.
Their demands come on the heels of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, who once again caused a stir with her public remarks after revealing that some officials have been transferred to the North as punishment.
According to Linda Ocloo, officials of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) who are issuing illegal building permits have been transferred to the north, just to serve as a kind of punishment for them.
Speaking during a demolition exercise on May 5, 2026, the Greater Accra Regional Minister 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 realize that what they did was wrong, they are brought back to Accra or other places.”
Meanwhile, Linda Ocloo, has issued an apology, following public backlash over comments suggesting that postings to the northern part of Ghana could be perceived as a form of punishment.
According to Linda Ocloo, her remarks in the viral video were just a genuine slip, which does not reflect her considered views.
In a press statement issued by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC), the minister stated, “My attention has been drawn to a widely circulated video in which I made remarks suggesting that postings to the northern part of our beloved country could be considered as a form of punishment”.
“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.”
“Regrettably, my choice of words created the unintended impression that such postings were punitive,” she said.
“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 stated.
Also, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has been urged to consider leaving her role to allow others to bring a more unifying approach to the regional ministerial role.
According to Dennis Miracles Aboagye, aide to NPP Flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Linda Ocloo must resign over her recent controversial remarks.
Miracles Aboagye highlighted that the Greater Accra Regional Minister is always camera happy, but always makes loose talk all the time.
He argued that public office requires a high level of discipline in communication.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, May 6, Dennis Miracles Aboagye stated, “…But if you choose to go the path on which she is doing, where she’s camera happy, she always wants to be in front of the camera, and she’s always making very loose talks all the time, it is not helpful”.
See the statement below: