Otiko Afisa Djaba in a pose with some family members
Elated family of the Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister, Otiko Afisa Djaba, has paid tribute to the strong-hearted woman for her appointment to the high office of a Minister of State, saying that it takes pride and delight in her new role to serve the nation.
According to the Djaba family, not only is the minister awesome, but also idyllic, having fought for the cause of the under-privileged people and the down-trodden in society for many years throughout her youthful days to date, while holding on to the tenets of truthfulness, honesty and selflessness.
In a statement issued and signed by Mrs Ama Appiah, a relative of the minister, the family noted that the values held onto by Madam Otiko Djaba had morphed her into her current status, indicating that “a good child brings honour to her family.”
The family members affirmed, “From your youthful days, you’ve upheld the tenets of truthfulness, honesty, selflessness and caring for others, hard work, can-do spirit, and above all, believing in your convictions and judgement.”
Parliament finally approved her nomination after the house had subjected it to a vote following withdrawal of support by the minority Members of Parliament (MPs) who accused her of behaving in a manner not befitting a Minister of State.
One hundred and fifty-two legislators voted in support of her approval, with no vote recorded against her nomination as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) minority MPs abstained from the exercise.
She was said to have used strong words against former President John Dramani Mahama, for which the minority had wanted her to apologize.
But the strong-hearted woman, who insists she said those words out of conviction, contended that it was necessary for individuals to stand by their words, no matter the circumstance, since it pays to stand firm.
Notwithstanding the controversy surrounding the approval of her nomination, members of the Djaba family believe their daughter had made them proud for her firmness, strong conviction and truthfulness.
“We pledge our unflinching support and prayers for you as you mount the podium that connects the progress and wellbeing of over 55 percent of women and children in the country. Go for the gold and may the goose in you continue to bring forth its golden eggs to advance the progress of Ghanaians,” the family encouraged Otiko.
From Ernest Kofi Adu, Kumasi