After a long while, the ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has a substantive minister and a deputy.
This follows the swearing into office of Lariba Zuweiea Abudu as the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection and Francisca Oteng as her deputy.
The swearing-in took place today at Jubilee House, Accra.
President Akufo-Addo, addressing them after they had taken their oath, told them to justify their selections, especially as they were peers who had equal competence but had not been selected.
He told them that their appointments had come at a critical moment in the history of the nation, and their success would be a consequence of the oath they solemnly swore “to uphold the interests of the Republic, constitution and its citizenry. And to dedicate yourself to the promotion of their wellbeing.”
According to the president, it was important for them to permeate their work with quality and integrity.
He told them to remember the commitment the political party that birthed this government had made to serve the country honestly and competently.
“We are called to these public appointments to provide public service, not to promote our personal gain.”
He reminded them not to fail to file asset declarations properly and remain above reproach in their public dealings.
He explained that their conduct and that of others in government would determine the future of the party politically.
President Akufo-Addo advised them to cease the opportunity of the appointments to serve their country in humility.
Speaking directly to the deputy minister, he said she was to support her minister but not rub shoulders with her.
The President informed the deputy that he would not countenance any act of insubordination, as that would be a disrespect to him and the government.
MINISTER RESPONSE
In her response, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection promised, on behalf of herself and her deputy, to work to reposition the sector.
“And I want to assure you that we will work and bring up to speed, as you made mention. We will collaborate with stakeholders and the Jubilee House and make you proud.”
She assured the President that they would work to make the ministry very enviable among the rest.
BACKGROUND
The Gender Ministry became the talk of the town following the behaviour of Dome/Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, who left the country for about a year.
Though she sought leave from the President, which was granted, Jubilee House extended the vacation at a time when the public felt she had to come home to run the ministry.
In her absence, the Minister for Sanitation, Cecilia Abena-Dapaa, was appointed as the Caretaker Minister.
