PNP condemns
‘selective targeting’ of women in politics
The People’s National Party (PNP) has criticised what it describes as the selective targeting of women in Ghanaian politics.
It noted that the country’s political environment had developed a troubling culture in which women face harsher public scrutiny and political punishment than their male counterparts.
In a
statement signed by the party’s Chairperson and Leader, Janet Asana Nabla, it
argued that both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic
Congress (NDC) have had male politicians and government officials involved in
controversies serious enough to warrant resignation or dismissal, yet many
remained in office without facing similar public pressure.
Context
There have
been calls for the dismissal of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda
Ocloo, over comments deemed offensive by sections of the public after she
warned public officials against issuing permits for illegal developments and
suggested that some officers had been transferred to northern Ghana as a form
of punishment.
The comments
sparked widespread criticism, with many Ghanaians accusing her of portraying
postings to northern Ghana as undesirable and punitive.
Following the
backlash, Linda Ocloo issued a public apology on May 5, 2026, acknowledging
that her remarks, captured in a widely circulated video, created the impression
that postings to northern Ghana should be viewed negatively.
She described the statement as a “slip in communication” and stressed that it did not reflect her personal views or official public service policy. Despite the apology, calls for her dismissal have persisted.
Pressure
The PNP said
it was disappointed by the continued pressure on the Minister despite her
public apology and retraction of the remarks.
The statement
cited the experiences of Victoria Hammah, Betty Mould-Iddrisu, Dzifa Attivor
and Cecilia Dapaah as examples of what it described as disproportionate
targeting 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 statement added.
Ghana
Politics Coverage
Selectivity
The PNP also
questioned what it described as selective accountability in public life,
accusing some individuals and groups advocating strict enforcement of codes of
conduct of remaining silent on other allegations involving conflict of
interest, abuse of office and contradictory public statements by senior
government officials.
It said the
inconsistent application of accountability undermined public confidence in
governance and weakened democratic institutions.
It further criticised some civil society organisations and women’s advocacy
groups for what it called silence on issues affecting women in politics.
“Organisations
that claim to defend women’s rights must not speak only when it is politically
convenient,” the party stated.
The PNP
called on the media, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the
general public to speak against what it termed the growing culture of
politically targeting women.
Fairness
The statement
reaffirmed the party’s commitment to justice, fairness, equality before the
law, and the protection of women in leadership.
Referencing
both Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed, the party said religious institutions
must promote justice, dignity, and compassion toward women and should not
remain silent when women face unfair treatment in the public sphere.
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