Ghanaian blogger David Mawuli has bucked the trend of condemnation being piled on gender minister Otiko Djaba, instead coming staunchly to her defence.

Writing on social media, Mawuli said Otiko was only saying what many parents (and other societal leaders) already tell their children but everyone is freaking out against Otiko.

“Ghanaian mothers always call their daughters and advice them to dress modestly. These same girls are advised in church and school, and they shut up!” Mawuli wrote on Facebook.

“But Otiko Djaba reiterated the same thing and these girls are going nuts on social media. Otiko, who has gone through a lot in our society only said be cautious and you think it’s a sin?”

Mawuli continued: “I am not saying you can be raped for free…all I am saying is be careful. You can wear what you want and that’s your life but always remember that it’s not all men who have got the common sense to know that every girl owns her body and can do what they like. You all know stealing is unlawful but you have gates and doors in your homes. Protect your body just like you protect your material things. Don’t let us wait for the damage to occur before we try hard to rectify.”

The Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister had advised students of Krobo Presbyterian Senior High School not to wear short skirts as they risked being raped due to that.

“…I want to say to you, be bold, be confident, be respectful. If you wear a short dress, it’s fashionable but, know that it can attract somebody who would want to rape or defile you. You must be responsible for the choices you make,” she said.

But her comment has been condemned as victim shaming on social media, although as usual opinion is split and many others are supporting her, including the outspoken blogger Mawuli.