Ken Backs ‘Angry’ Otiko for Quitting Politics over Ambassador Job

While it is wonderful to throw open your arms and say YES, there is actually more power in knowing when and how to say NO.

This seems to be the humble submission of maverick politician and Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong following former Gender minister’s rejection of an ambassadorial position meted to her after a ministerial reshuffle.

In some witty criticism of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s first ministerial reshuffle, some had argued that Ms. Otiko Djaba being sent to Italy as an ambassador, was a demotion in disguise.

Obviously peeved by the new engagement, the former gender minister decided not only to reject the offer but also to close the entire political chapter of her life.

Though the NPP would miss Ms. Djaba, Mr. Agyapong says she has the right to decide when to call it quits in her chosen profession.

“…she feels that she doesn’t want to be in politics again…you do it for some time and you realize you’re tired, enough is enough then you have to go and rest,” he said on Joy FM, yesterday.

According to the MP, ministers must not be afraid to resign if they realise they have had enough.

“It is only in this country that people are afraid to resign. That is why I’m not a minister because if the thing is not right I will say it, if it is against my superior and he says no I will resign so I don’t see anything wrong with it,” he said.

Exit For Ex-husband

Nonetheless, Ms. Djaba says her decision to give up politics is to enable her focus on her family and take care of her ex-husband who is currently battling with ill health.

“At 56 years, I want to relax and enjoy my family and life and therefore, I am not ready to take up the appointment as Ambassador to Italy”, she said told the daily Graphic.

The gap

This comes as a shock to many especially the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as Ms. Djaba role in the party cannot be underplayed especially when it seeks to retain power in the next election.

According to Joy FM’s Evans Mensah, the NPP in 2016 had rode on Otiko Djaba’s back to win power.

According to him, her role as women organizer at that time contributed a great deal to the victory the party earned in the elections for which reason she cannot be completely ‘ignored’ by the party even if she decides to bow out of politics.

The former Minister has handed over to the Minister of Planning, Professor George Gyan-Baffour, who stood in for Hajia Alima Mahama, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development who is presently in Mecca.

After her appointment as Ambassador to Italy, Ms Djaba was tasked to hand over to Hajia Mahama who would act until the new minister designate Mrs. Cynthia Morrison is vetted by Parliament.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]