My firmness paid off – Otiko

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Afisa Djaba, says she is glad she stood her grounds in the controversy that embroiled her parliamentary approval.

According to Otiko, she was overwhelmed by the support Ghanaians gave her as she awaited her approval.

“I am very grateful to the good people of this country; they’ve made me understand that if you are fair and firm and stand your grounds it pays off. I am 55 years, and if I don’t learn to speak the truth now, at what point in life will I be honest in my ways,” the NPP’s national women organiser told Kasapa FM Wednesday.

The minority in parliament abstained from a vote to approve Otiko Tuesday after she failed to apologise for her attacks on former President John Mahama. The minority accused the Speaker of parliament of bias, claiming the ballot papers for the vote did not have the required stamp.

Meanwhile, Otiko who was sworn in as a minister Tuesday, believes she will be able to bring relief to women and children in spite of the controversy trailing her.

“Life without challenges is no life. I thank God they have approved my appointment. The Ministry I’ll be handling; there are many opportunities for me to assist in solving our social and cultural problems prevailing in our society, and I won’t relent to give off my best and work hard in that Ministry.