Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Asiedu Nketiah, has defended the party’s controversial decision to replace Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak as leaders of the Minority in Parliament two years ago.
He insisted the move was necessary and strengthened the party’s parliamentary leadership.
Speaking in an interview on Joy News, Asiedu Nketiah said he has no regrets about the unprecedented NDC Minority leadership reshuffle despite the intense public criticism it generated.
Also read: CCLG-Africa marks 5th anniversary with urgent call to protect Ghana’s environment
The changes, announced ahead of the 2024 general election while the NDC was still in opposition, saw Dr Cassiel Ato Forson replace Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah became Deputy Minority Leader, while Kwame Governs Agbodza replaced Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak as Minority Chief Whip.
The reshuffle marked the first time an opposition political party in Ghana had carried out such a comprehensive overhaul of its parliamentary leadership.
Defending the move, Asiedu Nketiah insisted he acted in what he believed was the best interest of the NDC.
“It doesn’t change the truth, whether some people accept it or not. The truth remains the truth.”
He added: “A rose described by whatever adjectives will still smell sweet. I always want to stay on the side of truth. Once I say something and it is true, whether you accept it or not, that is it. I’m okay with that. I sleep and sleep well.”
The NDC National Chairman, popularly known as General Mosquito, dismissed suggestions that his public comments had offended senior party members or deepened divisions within the party.
“I don’t think that anybody ought to be hurt. I didn’t think that it was reasonable for anybody to be hurt,” he said, adding that anyone who listened to his full explanation would realise it was “much ado about nothing.”
Asiedu Nketiah also rejected claims that the leadership changes had damaged his relationship with Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak.
“I’m cool with my junior brothers Haruna and Muntaka, and we are moving together in Accra.”
He disclosed that he had spoken with Haruna Iddrisu only a day earlier and remains in regular contact with Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak.
Responding to criticism that the reshuffle was unprecedented in Ghana’s opposition politics, Asiedu Nketiah argued that every significant political reform begins with a first step.
“So it means it will never happen? There must be a first time for something.”
He maintained that he would always pursue decisions that he believes will produce the desired outcome.
“If I believe that this is the right way of achieving my results, I will go for it, even though heaven falls.”
Asiedu Nketiah acknowledged that Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak initially reacted strongly to the decision and even described it as “a coup.”
However, he argued that difficult leadership decisions sometimes require temporary discomfort to achieve long-term success.
“If I know that cut is necessary to heal you, I’m good with it.”
He maintained that the NDC Minority leadership reshuffle was ultimately taken in the best interest of the party and remains a decision he fully supports.