Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism for her overseas trip to Ghana, particularly as new photos emerge depicting her at a cocktail party while wildfires raged back home. During her time in Accra, Bass was part of a U.S. delegation celebrating the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. This trip coincided with warnings of a severe windstorm that would eventually contribute to the devastating fires in Los Angeles.
The timing of Bass’s trip has raised eyebrows, as she attended a gathering at the U.S. ambassador’s residence just as evacuation orders were about to be issued for affected residents in L.A. The cocktail event took place around 8 p.m. local time in Ghana, which was just before noon in Los Angeles when authorities began to take action due to the looming fire danger.
Photos shared on social media by a member of her team showed Bass mingling at this event while California was in crisis. Critics argue that this demonstrates a striking disconnect between the mayor’s priorities and the urgent needs of her city’s residents. In the wake of the fires, which have killed at least 25 people and destroyed over 12,000 structures, many los Angeles residents have voiced their anger over Bass’s absence during such a critical time.
Bass returned to L.A. after the outbreak of the fires, which forced mass evacuations across several neighborhoods. Her office has stated that she was making calls from a different room at the party regarding the situation back home, but the optics of her being at a celebration while disaster unfolded in her city have not gone unnoticed. A spokesperson for Bass indicated that the mayor left the event shortly after 8 p.m. in Ghana, heading straight to the airport for her return trip.
This overseas trip has also sparked discussions about Bass’s previous commitments. During her 2022 campaign for mayor, she had promised not to travel abroad if elected, vowing to prioritize the concerns of L.A. residents. However, her decision to attend the event in Ghana has raised questions about her leadership during emergencies at home.
As the fires continued to spread, LA residents have expressed frustration not only regarding Bass’s trip but also towards Governor Gavin Newsom, whom they believe has shown inadequate leadership in fire management and response. The wildfires have particularly devastated affluent areas, raising concerns about preparedness and the state’s overall ability to handle such disasters. Critics argue that the city’s response to the crisis has been lacking, with many feeling blindsided as fire reports flooded in.
When pressed by a reporter about whether she would have made the trip had she known the severity of the situation back home, Bass’s response was noncommittal. Her apparent inability to address the issue directly has only added to the scrutiny she’s facing.
As Los Angeles navigates the aftermath of the fires, it will be crucial for Mayor Bass to reflect on her decisions and prioritize her constituents’ needs above all else. The expectations for leadership in times of crisis are high, and accountability is essential in restoring public trust. The community deserves to know that their elected officials are prioritizing their safety and well-being, especially during turbulent times. The dilemma that Bass faces is a stark reminder of the challenges that leaders must balance between international diplomacy and the responsibilities they hold at home.