General News of Friday, 1 February 2013

Source: radioxyzonline.com

Nana Oye Lithur Approved by Appoinments Committee

Nana Oye Lithur, Minister designate for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has been approved by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, reports reaching XYZ News from Parliament indicate.

XYZ News sources in Parliament reveal that Nana Oye Lithur was approved by majority vote after members on the Committee were divided on her approval.

The Law House is expected to receive the committee's report later today for debate and subsequent approval.

Nana Oye Lithur's nomination by President Mahama to head the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has been met with stiff opposition by the clergy in the country accusing her of endorsing gay rights and is likely to use her office to influence President Mahama to change Ghana's stance on homosexuality.

Even though she told the vetting committee on Wednesday that she would not promote homosexuality but protect their human rights, many have her interpreted her statements to mean that she is in support for homosexuality.

A cross section of Ghanaians and several institutions have called on her to publicly declare her personal stance on homosexuality.

The National Union of Graduate Students has also threatened to stage series of demonstrations if Nana Oye Lithur is approved.

The other vetted nominees which the report covers include Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang Minister-designate for Education, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah Minister-designate for Communication and Akwesi Oppong-Fosu Minister designate for Local Government.