The Founder and Executive Chairman of Big Events Ghana, Prince Mackay, has defended the decision to honor Linda Ocloo as the country’s best-performing minister despite criticisms following the recent flooding situation in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
According to him, the award was based on a clearly defined assessment period which covered January 2025 to May 2026, stressing that the recent flooding crisis occurred after the review period had ended.
Speaking on the matter, Prince Mackay said, “We stated categorically clear that the year under review was 2025 to May 2026. So we looked at the work that they have done within the space and not now in June that the regions are flooded, that we have this crisis and that we are all complaining about the fact that she has not done anything to deserve the award.”
Prince Mackay further praised the Greater Accra Regional Minister for what he described as her commitment to development and enforcement of regulations in the region.
He explained that the organisers considered the minister’s performance and activities within the stipulated timeline before arriving at the decision.
“The timelines that we looked at this award was within the period of January 2025 and May 2026. If you look at the Greater Accra Regional Minister, since inception from day one, she has been engaging and making sure that she will light up Accra and ensure that those who have built on Ramsar sites are pulled down.” He stated.
According to him, some of the affected structures belonged to influential persons, however, the minister remained firm in carrying out her duties.
“These are top influential people who had built on such sites, but she was tough enough as a woman to ensure that she did what she had to do,” he added.
He noted that the recent heavy rains changed public perception about the minister’s performance but maintained that the assessment was conducted fairly based on achievements recorded within the review period.
“Had it not been for the rain that just came, I’m not sure that the story would be as we are seeing it right now,” Prince Mackay indicated.
