The People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed concern over what it describes as the selective targeting of women in Ghana’s political space following sustained calls for the dismissal of the Greater Accra Regional Minister over comments widely criticised by the public.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akewley Ocloo, during an interaction with the media, suggested that transferring public or civil servants to northern Ghana to work was a form of punishment.
However, in a statement signed by PNP Chairperson Janet Asana Nabla, the party noted that the minister has publicly apologised and retracted her statement, yet pressure for her removal continues to intensify.
“The PNP believes that Ghana’s political space has developed a worrying culture where women are subjected to harsher public judgement and political punishment than men,” the statement said.
The party argued that both the NPP and NDC have had male politicians and government officials linked to controversies that could have justified resignation or dismissal, yet many remained in office without facing similar coordinated pressure.
“When the issue involves a woman, there is often a loud and aggressive campaign for her removal,” the PNP said, citing the cases of Vicky Hammah, Betty Mould-Iddrisu, Dzifa Attivor and Cecilia Dapaah as examples.
The party warned that such patterns send a discouraging message to young Ghanaian women aspiring to public service.
The PNP also questioned the consistency of those demanding strict enforcement of codes of conduct, saying some critics remain silent on allegations of conflict of interest, abuse of office and contradictory public statements involving powerful officials who continue to hold office.
The party called on the media, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the public to speak out against what it described as unfair treatment of women in leadership.
“Both Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed stood for justice, dignity, and compassion towards women. Our religious institutions must not remain silent when women are subjected to unfair treatment in the public space,” the statement added.
The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to justice, fairness, equality before the law and the protection of women in leadership.
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