Popular social commentator and founder of Alagumgube Mr. Gabriel Agambila has strongly criticised Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo over comments suggesting that officers who approve illegal buildings could be transferred to Northern Ghana as punishment.
The minister’s remarks, made during a meeting with city authorities amid ongoing efforts to tackle unauthorized structures and poor urban planning in Accra, have sparked widespread backlash across the country. According to reports, Linda Ocloo warned that officials who continue to sanction illegal developments may be reassigned to the northern part of Ghana.
Reacting sharply to the statement, Alagumgube described the comment as unfortunate and disrespectful to people living in the northern regions. He argued that portraying Northern Ghana as a place of punishment only reinforces harmful stereotypes and threatens national cohesion.
“The North is not a punishment zone,” he stressed, insisting that every region in Ghana deserves equal respect and recognition regardless of geographical location or level of development.
Alagumgube further called on public officials to be measured in their public comments, especially on matters capable of creating division among citizens. According to him, leadership must promote unity and inclusion rather than deepen regional sentiments through careless remarks.
The controversy has since generated heated public debate, with political figures, civil society groups, and social media users condemning the minister’s statement. The Minority Caucus in Parliament also joined calls criticising the remarks and demanding greater sensitivity from government appointees.
Following the growing backlash, Linda Ocloo has apologised for the comment, explaining that it was a slip of the tongue and was never intended to demean people from Northern Ghana.
Despite the apology, the incident has reignited conversations about regional discrimination, national unity, and the need for public officials to exercise caution in their public communication.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com