Parliament decides Otiko Djaba's fate - Highlights

Parliament Tuesday cast a vote to decide the outcome of Gender Minister-designate Otiko Afisa Djaba’s appointment into office.

Ms. Djaba generated a public debate after she disclosed that she did not undergo the one-year National service as required of every Ghanaian per the National Service act of 198-, Act 246. According to her, her absence in the country at the time accounted for this.

Minority in Parliament insisted that her approval be terminated since she had violated the requirements and hence didn’t qualify for the position of a Minister of State. Her conduct during vetting was also mentioned as a cause for disqualification.

On the Majority side, however, members came to the defence of the National Women’s Organizer, their argument being that Ms Djaba should not be disqualified just on the basis that she could not satisfy the requirements of undertaking her National Service.

The house put the approval to vote and the Minority who clearly were not in favour of the decision boycotted the process leaving 152 members on the Majority side to decide Otiko Djaba’s fate.

The outcome ruled in her favour, she was finally approved after the long wait. She will later be sworn in by President Akufo-Addo as the Minister for Gender, Women and Social Protection.

Watch highlights of Tuesday’s proceedings in Parliament: