Two National Democratic Congress(NDC) Members of Parliament have jointly filed a motion at the Supreme Court praying the apex court to revoke the appointment of the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Otiko Afisa Djaba.
The Plaintiffs( NDC MPs) including Member of Parliament for Ashaiman constituency, Ernest Norgbey, and the Member of Parliament for the Juaboso Constituency, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh want the Supreme court to nullify the nomination and and subsequent swearing-in of Madam Otiko Djaba.
According to the writ, Madam Djaba cannot hold herself as Minister due to her failure to undertake the mandatory one year national service.
Reliefs sought by plaintiffs
“A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the constitution particularly article 94 (2)(g) of the constitution is in contempt of section (7) of the Ghana National Service Act, Act 426. The second defendant Otiko Djaba is disqualified from being nominated, approved, and appointed as Minister of State constitutes employment in the Public Service. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the constitution that the swearing in of the 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.
Madam Otiko Djaba was approved by parliament as Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, amidst controversy over her confirmation by the House. The Minister was faced with some challenges as the minority members on the Appointments Committee took a strong stance and opposed her approval as a Minister due to her failure to undertake her national service.
She was however approved with 152 votes on the floor during balloting on Tuesday, despite the Minority boycott of the process.
She was part of the second batch of Ministers, sworn in Tuesday at the Flagstaff House by the President.
