Two NDC MPs sue Otiko, Attorney General

Two MPs from the Minority side of parliament have, through a suit, prayed the Supreme Court revoke the appointment of Otiko Afisa Djaba as Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

They have also jointly sued Attorney General and Minister of Justice Gloria Akuffo as first Defendant.

Ernest Norgbey and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, MPs for Ashaiman and Juaboso constituencies respectively argue in their reliefs that Ms Djaba cannot become a Minister because she failed to do her national service.

They are praying the court to declare that “upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the constitution particularly Article 94 (2)(g) of the constitution” allowing Ms Djaba to continue as Minister “is in contempt of section (7) of the Ghana National Service Act, Act 426.”

They also want the court to declare that Ms Djaba is disqualified from being nominated, approved, and appointed as Minister of State due to her failure to do her national service because her appointment “constitutes employment in the Public Service.”

The plaintiffs also want a declaration that the swearing in of Ms Djaba (second defendant) is null and void and has no effect whatsoever.

“We also want an order directed at the second defendant restraining her from acting or purporting to act as Minister of State until such a time she completes her national service or duly granted an exemption in accordance with the National Service Act,” the writ said.

Ms Djaba’s nomination was approved by a lopsided parliament after the Minority side boycotted voting on her appointment after her vetting.