Photos Surface Of LA Mayor’s Activities During Ghana Trip – Sparks Outrage, Calls for Resignation

Mayor Karen Bass official portrait | Source: commons.wikimedia.org

As wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass attended a lavish cocktail party in Ghana, prompting outrage from residents and political observers alike. Photos published by the Los Angeles Times revealed Bass smiling alongside dignitaries at the event, held during Ghana’s presidential inauguration. Critics have slammed her absence as irresponsible and tone-deaf, especially as city officials issued urgent warnings about the rapidly spreading Palisades wildfire.

The wildfire, which began on January 4, 2025, consumed over 40,000 acres and claimed at least 25 lives, with thousands of residents forced to evacuate. Despite the emergency, Bass departed Los Angeles for Ghana, returning more than 24 hours after the fires ignited. Social media backlash was swift after photos surfaced, depicting the mayor enjoying the party while smoke billowed over her city.


Karen Bass’s spokesperson, Zach Seidl, attempted to downplay the controversy, claiming the mayor was “working feverishly for the people” in a separate room while attending the event. However, no evidence has been provided to corroborate these assertions. Instead, images of Bass mingling at the party have fueled skepticism and public anger, particularly after a military aircraft returned her to Los Angeles.

Adding to the controversy, an old tweet by Bass resurfaced in which she criticized Senator Ted Cruz for leaving Texas during a weather crisis. “Ted Cruz fleeing Texas in the middle of a deadly crisis is part of a larger pattern of the GOP abandoning folks in crisis,” she wrote at the time. Many residents see her current actions as hypocritical, given her absence during one of Los Angeles’s most destructive fire events in recent history.

When questioned about her decision to attend the event, Bass brushed off concerns, telling CBS News that she had no regrets. “No!” she responded when pressed about whether she would reconsider the trip in hindsight, pivoting quickly to avoid further scrutiny. Her dismissive response has further enraged critics, leading to a petition demanding her resignation that has already garnered over 140,000 signatures.

The petition describes Bass’s leadership as “gross mismanagement,” emphasizing her failure to respond effectively to the crisis. “The people of Los Angeles deserve a leader who is present, accountable, and actively working to protect and serve our community,” it states. This sentiment resonates with many residents who feel abandoned during a time of need.

The ongoing fires, including the Palisades and Eaton blazes, have destroyed thousands of structures and remain far from contained. Experts warn that worsening winds could further exacerbate the situation, leaving residents fearful and desperate for decisive action. The absence of their city’s leader during such a critical time has only deepened feelings of betrayal among Angelenos.

The controversy surrounding Bass highlights a broader failure of leadership, raising questions about the priorities of elected officials. For a city grappling with ongoing emergencies, residents deserve leaders who prioritize their responsibilities and provide reassurance during times of crisis. The absence of such leadership has left a lasting impression on a community already devastated by natural disaster.