The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has issued an apology following public criticism over remarks that appeared to suggest postings to northern Ghana could be seen as punitive.

In a statement released by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, the Minister described the comment, which circulated widely in a video, as an unintended error in expression that does not reflect her views or official policy on public sector postings.

She explained that the remarks were made while responding to a question about claims that some officials implicated in irregular issuance of development permits are often reassigned to nearby districts, allowing the practice to persist.

According to her, she referenced situations where some public servants had been transferred to locations far from their usual places of residence, but conceded that her wording conveyed the wrong impression.

Mrs Ocloo offered an unqualified apology to Ghanaians, particularly residents of the northern regions, and clarified that her comments were not intended to diminish any part of the country.

She reaffirmed her commitment to professionalism, fairness, and due process in public administration, stressing that staff postings and transfers will continue to be guided by established procedures.

The Minister also called on the public to accept her clarification, reiterating her pledge to serve with integrity and accountability.

“My attention has been drawn to a widely circulated video in which I made remarks suggesting that postings to the northern part of our beloved country could be considered as a form of punishment,

I wish to state, without reservation, that the comments captured in the video were a genuine slip in communication and do not reflect my considered views.Regrettably, my choice of words created the unintended impression that such postings were punitive,

I sincerely acknowledge the concerns that this has generated and offer my unreserved apology to all Ghanaians, especially my brothers and sisters in the northern regions, for any misunderstanding, offence, or discomfort caused,” she stated.