Tamale, Ghana – National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has asserted that the party’s decisive victory in the 2024 general elections was a direct result of strategic, albeit controversial, internal decisions, most notably the reshuffle of the NDC’s parliamentary leadership prior to the polls. Speaking during his nationwide “Thank You Tour” in Tamale, Mr. Nketiah emphasized that these changes were crucial for repositioning the party to achieve electoral success in a dynamic political landscape.
Mr. Nketiah explained his rationale behind the leadership changes, stating that the evolving political environment necessitated a refreshed front bench in Parliament to enhance the party’s chances of winning the election. He acknowledged that the decision caused significant internal friction and was met with misunderstanding among some party faithful.
“There was hell, and people started thinking that somebody who has been my friend for more than 20 years has suddenly become my enemy,” Mr. Nketiah recounted, highlighting the personal toll and internal dissent the move generated. He framed his role as National Chairman as that of a “coach” responsible for making the tough calls required to secure victory.
He further elaborated on this analogy, stating, “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.” Mr. Nketiah believes the election outcome validated this strategic approach, underscoring the NDC’s performance as one of the most significant electoral triumphs in Ghana’s Fourth Republic history.
Following the electoral success, Mr. Nketiah advised then-President-elect John Dramani Mahama against marginalizing seasoned party figures such as Haruna Iddrisu and Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka in the government formation process. He stressed the importance of integrating their experience into the new administration.
“After we won the election, I told President Mahama that we cannot ignore Muntaka and Haruna in setting up our government, so they needed to be given big positions,” Mr. Nketiah revealed. Both Iddrisu and Muntaka were subsequently appointed to significant ministerial roles, reflecting the integration of experienced leadership into the new government.
Looking ahead, Mr. Nketiah issued a stern warning against the formation of internal factions within the NDC. He stressed that maintaining unity is paramount for the party’s sustained success and future electoral endeavors.
“If you are forming groups, Haruna groups, Asiedu Nketiah groups, that is not our case. The NDC will continue to be one,” he declared, urging party members to remain cohesive and focused on collective goals rather than divisive allegiances.
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