Growing concerns over internal cohesion within the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have emerged following recent comments by the party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, regarding the 2023 reshuffle of the Minority Leadership in Parliament.
During a thank-you tour in Tamale South, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah reportedly suggested that the controversial leadership reshuffle played a significant role in the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
However, the remarks have sparked criticism from some party communicators and supporters, who argue that such assertions risk undermining the collective efforts that contributed to the party’s electoral success.
In a strongly worded statement issued by Nasir Gardenboi, spokesperson to Muntaka Mubarak and Communications Officer for the NDC Asawase Constituency, the comments were described as “unfortunate and unnecessary.”
According to the statement, while the leadership reshuffle may have contributed to the party’s preparations ahead of the elections, it would be inaccurate to attribute the NDC’s 2024 victory solely to that decision.
“The victory was the product of collective sacrifice, strategic planning, and the tireless efforts of party faithful across the country,” the statement emphasized.
The publication further urged the National Chairman to exercise restraint and fairness in his public commentary, stressing that leadership should serve to unite party members rather than deepen divisions.
“As National Chairman, your words should unite rather than divide. The quest for the presidency should not draw anyone into making senior party members unpopular for political convenience,” portions of the statement noted.
The concerns also touched on perceptions among some supporters in Northern Ghana and within the Muslim community, who reportedly feel that certain comments and actions within the party appear unfairly targeted at respected Northern and Muslim leaders.
The statement cautioned that such perceptions, whether intentional or otherwise, could create unnecessary disaffection within key support bases of the party.
It further highlighted the contributions of senior NDC figures including Haruna Iddrisu, Muntaka Mubarak, and Cassiel Ato Forson, particularly during challenging periods in Parliament.
Special reference was made to the events surrounding the election of the Speaker of the 8th Parliament on January 7, 2021, which the statement described as a demonstration of strategic leadership, unity, and resilience among members of the Minority Caucus.
The publication maintained that those contributions remain an important part of the NDC’s political history and should not be disregarded.
Despite the concerns raised, the statement reaffirmed the commitment of both Hon. Muntaka Mubarak and Hon. Haruna Iddrisu to serving diligently in their ministerial capacities under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama.
The statement concluded with a call for respect, fairness, and political maturity within the NDC, stressing that unity remains essential to protecting the future and stability of the party.
“God is the lifter of men. Long live Hon. Muntaka. Long live Ghana,” the statement concluded.
