The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has stood by the party’s decision to restructure its parliamentary leadership, dismissing criticisms as unfounded.
Earlier in the year, the NDC replaced Haruna Iddrisu (Tamale South MP), James Klutse Avedzi (Ketu North MP), and Muntaka Mubarak (Asawase MP) as Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, and Minority Chief Whip, respectively.
The reshuffle sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning its timing as the 2024 general election approaches.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Ajumako Enyan Essiam, Central Region, on Thursday, November 21, Asiedu Nketiah explained that the changes were a strategic move to enhance the party’s effectiveness in Parliament.
Although the decision faced initial backlash, Asiedu Nketiah stated that the new leadership team had proven its worth.
He likened the leadership transition to a relay race, emphasizing that the previous leaders had done their part and it was time for a new team to take over.
“When we made the changes in Parliament, did you see the criticisms that followed? Everyone was picking on me. But we stood firm because we saw something better in the new leaders. If you were to sack the new leaders we brought in, would you do that? I know you won’t because they have proven it.
“We thank God for opening our eyes. The old leaders have done their part, but it was a relay race. When an athlete gets tired, he hands over the baton.
“So, we handed over the baton to Ato Forson, and he did not disappoint us. We don’t regret it either. He has made the party more attractive,” he said.