National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has explained the party's decision to replace Haruna Iddrisu and Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka as Minority Leader and Deputy Minority Leader. He called the change a strategic political decision. The aim was to strengthen the NDC's chances in the 2024 general elections. Mr. Asiedu Nketia defended the move during the NDC’s Thank You Tour in Tamale South. The changes were not personal. They were tactical adjustments for victory.
Political leadership requires difficult choices. These decisions depend on political competition and opponent strategies. Mr. Asiedu Nketia compared his role to a coach. He needed to watch opponents and arrange the team to win. He has a long-standing relationship with Haruna Iddrisu. He rejected suggestions of hostility or division. Mr. Asiedu Nketia stated, “Haruna Iddrisu has been my brother. We have worked together.” He even faced criticism for appointing Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader previously.
As the 2024 elections approached, the NDC needed to reorganise its parliamentary leadership. This was to respond effectively to new political dynamics. Mr. Asiedu Nketia explained, “I said we had to change the forward line of Parliament. Otherwise, it would be difficult for us to win the elections.” Even then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama initially disagreed. However, Mr. Asiedu Nketia insisted the decision was his responsibility as National Chairman. He oversees the party’s electoral strategy. He told the party faithful, “You elected me as chairman of this party. I am the coach of the party going into the election, so let me make the changes that will help us win.”
The decision caused significant backlash within the NDC. Some saw it as personal disagreements. “There was hell,” Mr. Asiedu Nketia admitted. People thought long-time friends had become enemies. He reassured attendees, “But how can Haruna become my enemy? He cannot become my enemy.” Mr. Asiedu Nketia believes the party’s eventual electoral performance vindicated these strategic choices. He claimed the changes led to one of the biggest victories in Ghana's Fourth Republic history.
Despite the leadership changes, Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka were not abandoned. They remain important assets to the party. Mr. Asiedu Nketia advised President Mahama after the victory. Both men deserved significant roles in government. He said, “After winning, I told President Mahama that we could not ignore Muntaka and Haruna in the formation of government.” President Mahama agreed. They have been given major positions.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia urged supporters in the Northern Region to avoid factional divisions. Creating groups like “Haruna group” or “Asiedu Nketia group” is unhelpful. He stressed that such divisions are local issues, not party-wide concerns. The NDC is working together. Party supporters should prioritise the collective interest of the NDC. Internal disagreements are inevitable. However, they must not weaken the organisation. Struggles for positions will occur. Some will be happy, others not. All must protect the party. “We should not allow our differences to destroy the NDC,” he counselled.
In a related development, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) also made significant parliamentary leadership changes. Former MP for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, was replaced as Majority Leader. He described his removal as controversial. He later revealed President Akufo-Addo explained the move was a strategy to counter the NDC. This occurred while the NDC had elected John Mahama as presidential candidate but had not yet nominated a running mate.