The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has rekindled a contentious episode that is beginning to open up deep wounds in the governing party.
He recently told party faithful in Tamale South that he had to remove Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu and Minority Chief Whip Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka from parliamentary leadership because their stay in office could jeopardize NDC’s victory in the 2024 general election.
“New things were emerging and I said that we have to change the forward line of Parliament. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to win the election. President Mahama disagreed with me. But I said that you have 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 win us the election.
“When we did the arrangement, we went into the election. The victory that NDC won in 2024, have you seen any such victory in Ghana since the beginning of the Fourth Republic?
“After winning, I told President Mahama, we cannot ignore Muntaka and Haruna in the setting up of our government. So they need to be given big positions. President Mahama agreed, and they gave them big positions. And we are working together,” Mr. Asiedu Nketiah popularly known as General Mosquito told NDC supporters during his “Curtain raiser Thank you tour”, of the Northern Region.
His recent commentary, according to political watchers, has opened a Pandora”s Box, that is revealing the actual reason for the removal of Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka.
“In actual fact, the story Mosquito used in taking the two out was that they were too close to President Nana Akufo Addo. Mosquito waited for John Dramani Mahama to travel outside Ghana and executed the agenda with Speaker Bagbin who couldn’t have his way with the two leaders,” an NDC insider told THE CUSTODIAN.
Reactions
Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s revelations have since sparked controversy within the governing NDC, with allies of both Muntaka and Haruna issuing scathing responses.
Mr. Nasir Gardenboi, spokesperson to Mr. Muntaka and NDC Communications Officer for the Asawase Constituency gave a swift response to the party National Chairman.
“Political frustration should never become a basis for rewriting history or unfairly attacking colleagues in pursuit of power.
“The recent comments by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, during his thank-you tour in Tamale South, regarding the 2023 reshuffle of the Minority Leadership and its alleged impact on the NDC’s 2024 electoral victory, are unfortunate and unnecessary”, he said in a statement.
He said while leadership changes may have contributed to the party’s preparations ahead of the elections, it is inaccurate and unfair to suggest that the reshuffle alone delivered victory for the NDC and John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 general elections.
According to him, the victory was the product of collective sacrifice, strategic planning, and the tireless efforts of party faithful across the country.
“Our venerable chairman must be told in plain language that leadership comes with responsibility, restraint, and fairness.
“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”, he stated.
He added that, “disagreements within the party should be addressed with facts, maturity, and respect, not through public comments that risk creating unnecessary tension and disaffection among loyal party members”.
He said at this critical moment, the focus of the National Chairman should be on strengthening unity, protecting the image important to acknowledge the immense contributions of leaders such as Haruna Iddrisu, Muntaka Mubarak, and Cassiel Ato Forson, who played significant roles during some of the most difficult moments in the party’s parliamentary journey.
‘The events of January 7, 2021, which led to the election of the Speaker of the 8th Parliament, remain a testament to the strategic leadership, unity, and resilience demonstrated by key members of the Minority Caucus.
“Those contributions cannot and should not be erased from our political history.
“But true Northerners and Muslims are becoming increasingly aware and conscious of the need to protect their dignity, unity, and rightful place within the NDC party.
“Many party faithful are beginning to see a pattern of comments and actions that appear unfairly targeted at some respected Muslim and Northern leaders of the party.
“Such perceptions, whether intended or not, risk deepening divisions at a time when unity should be our greatest strength” he bemoaned.
Northerners and Muslims, he maintained, remain a vital pillar of the National Democratic Congress.
“They are part of the strength, loyalty, and future of the party, and their contributions to the growth and success of the NDC can never be overlooked or undermined.
‘Hon. Muntaka Mubarak and Hon. Haruna Iddrisu remain committed to serving the nation diligently in their current capacities as Ministers for the Interior and Education respectively under the leadership of President Mahama” he stated.
He reiterated his call on Mr. Asiedu Nketiah to ensure his public comments foster unity, strengthen internal cohesion, and inspire confidence among party members rather than reopen old wounds or create unnecessary divisions.
“At this critical stage of the party’s growth, respect, fairness, and political maturity must remain the guiding principles of our internal discourse if we truly seek to protect and strengthen the future of the NDC”, he concluded.