Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo says she was not surprised to be named Best Regional Minister, arguing that the recognition reflects the work she has undertaken since assuming office.
According to her, the award is an acknowledgement of the interventions she has spearheaded across the region and serves as motivation to continue delivering on her mandate.
Speaking in an interview with Asaase Radio on Monday, June 8, Madam Ocloo said she believes her efforts in addressing some of the region’s pressing challenges justify the honour.
“I wasn’t surprised by the award I received because sometimes I keep telling people that the little efforts you do, when people recognise what you are doing and give you that recognition, it empowers you to do more.
“I know I’ve done a lot for the good people of Greater Accra. Yes, expectations are high though, but I think I’ve done a lot that I deserve that recognition and so to God be the glory.”
The Regional Minister pointed to achievements in sanitation, street lighting, flood mitigation, chieftaincy disputes, and boundary-related matters as some of the key areas where her administration has made an impact.
“I have tackled sanitation within the Greater Accra Region. I have tackled chieftaincy disputes within the Greater Accra Region. I have tackled street lighting within the Greater Accra Region. I have tackled boundary issues within the Greater Accra Region,” she said.
Madam Ocloo also highlighted efforts to address perennial flooding in parts of the capital, noting that some of the measures adopted, including demolition exercises on waterways and Ramsar sites, have generated criticism from affected residents.
“I tackled flooding within the Greater Accra Region… knowing very well that some of the buildings at Ramsar sites would have an effect when it rains, I went on and did a lot of demolitions. Hence, I have a lot of people that hate me because of this demolition exercise,” she added.
Her comments come at a time when the Presidency has directed ministers of state, chief executive officers of state institutions, and other political appointees to refrain from accepting awards from private organisations without prior approval from the Office of the President.
The directive, issued by Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama, follows concerns raised by President John Dramani Mahama over the increasing number of awards being presented to public officials by private bodies, often describing them as “best-performing”, “most outstanding” or “most influential” office holders.
According to the Presidency, many of these organisations have limited public visibility, unclear credentials, and lack transparent criteria for evaluating the performance of government officials.
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