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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh
