Parliament to vote over Otiko

Parliament is set to subject the approval of the Gender, Children and Social Protection minister-designate Otiko Afisa Djaba to a secret balloting following persistent protest against her by the Minority.

The House last week deferred her approval, citing among other things, her refusal to apologise for describing former president John Mahama as “wicked” and “evil”.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament last week, the minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu said Ms. Djaba’s approval had been rejected because she lacked the required attitude and temperament to front the ministry she is to head.

“We have heard the public question the appointment committee that sometimes we take long too much but the longer it is the better we know the temperament of the Nominee,” he told the House.

“We are not just looking at the understanding of Policies but we are interested in your temperament…we on this side are convinced that the nominee Otiko Djaba given every opportunity she has described the former President Mahama as ‘evil’ then we persuaded her in body language…and assured her that it’s not our culture but…her attitude, her temperament and the sensitivity on women and children [was not the best],” he added.

The majority, according to Starr News’ Ibrahim Alhassan,  is galvanising its members to ensure that they win the vote.

Meanwhile, the House has approved the nominations of Joe Ghartey, Ursula Owusu, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu,  Catherine Afeku, and Prof Gyan Baffour by consensus.