The People’s National Party (PNP) has condemned what it describes as the selective targeting of women in politics, warning that the trend could discourage young women from entering public service.

The statement follows public backlash against the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, after she suggested in a viral video that postings to the Northern Region may be seen as a form of punishment, comments she later apologised for and withdrew.

In a statement dated May 7 and signed by the party’s chairperson Janet Nabla, the PNP said it was unhappy that calls for the minister’s dismissal were still growing despite her apology.

“The People’s National Party (PNP) expresses deep disappointment over the increasing calls for the dismissal of the Greater Accra Regional Minister following comments considered offensive by some members of the public.

The Minister has publicly apologised and retracted her statement, yet the pressure for her removal continues to intensify.”

The party said women in politics often face harsher criticism and punishment than men.

According to the PNP, several male politicians in both the NDC and NPP have been involved in controversies that could have led to resignations or dismissals, but remained in office without similar public pressure.

“This pattern was evident in the cases of Vicky Hammah, Betty Mould-Iddrisu, Dzifa Attivor, and Cecilia Dapaah. 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 noted.

The PNP also criticised what it called selective accountability, saying some groups demanding strict enforcement of codes of conduct remain silent on allegations involving powerful officials.

It warned that such actions weaken public trust in governance and damage the credibility of democratic institutions.

The party further expressed concern over the silence of some civil society organisations and women’s advocacy groups on issues affecting women in leadership.

The PNP called on the media, religious leaders, civil society groups and the public to resist what it described as the political targeting of women.

“The PNP remains committed to justice, fairness, equality before the law, and the protection of women in leadership,” the statement concluded.