Ghana's communication Minister Ursula Owusu was seen in Parliament carrying an expensive Louis Vuitton bag, causing controversy among some members of the public.
The minister was attending a parliamentary session discussing the government's plans on the implementation of the 2023 budget when she was spotted with the luxury item.
Many people were taken aback by the minister's choice of accessory, given that Ghana is a developing country where a large portion of the population lives in poverty.
Some criticized her for flaunting such an expensive item while others defended her, saying that she has the right to spend her money as she pleases.
Regardless of one's personal opinion on the matter, the incident has sparked a conversation about the role of public officials and the importance of humility in leadership.
As representatives of the people, elected officials are expected to serve their constituents with integrity and selflessness, and many believe that carrying such a luxurious item in Parliament goes against these principles.
The bag in question cost around $4500 USD comparing online prices and converting such amount into Ghana Cedis is lots of money considering the state of the economy now.
Some have called for the minister to be more mindful of the message she sends to the public. Others have suggested that she donate the proceeds from the sale of the bag to a charitable cause in order to demonstrate her commitment to helping those in need.
In the end, it is up to the minister and the people of Ghana to decide how to move forward from this incident.
Others are of the view that she has the money and is capable of spending such an amount on a bag without ‘breaking the bank’.
However, it serves as a reminder that public officials must be held to a high standard of conduct and must always consider the impact of their actions on those they serve.