The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has stated that the party's departing leadership in Parliament would not be marginalized in the party's efforts leading up to the 2024 elections.
According to him, the old executives possess vital attributes that the party will require to gain power in the next election.
The NDC reshuffled its leadership in Parliament earlier Ghana week, replacing Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu with Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle, also took over as Deputy Minority Leader from Ketu North MP, James Klutse Avedzi, while Kwame Governs Agbodza took over as Minority Chief Whip from Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak.
Several NDC MPs, notably MP for Bolgatanga East, Dominic Ayine, and Tamale Central MP, Murtala Muhammed, have condemned the leadership changes as undemocratic.
Mr. Asiedu Nketiah stated that, while the move was not popular, it was in the best interests of the party.
"We are making this decision because it will not harm us. All of the people involved are extremely dear friends of mine, but we have to make a decision because we have leadership responsibilities. And because we cannot fail the nation, we shall fall back on anyone's skill and assign him the obligation to fulfill. Those who are leaving the front lines of our Parliamentary leadership are not out of the picture. We may need them in different roles, and we will seek them out to fulfill those responsibilities," Mr. Asiedu Nketiah stated.
44 MPs signed a petition opposing the party's decision. The 44 members feel the party's choice is unjust and unpopular.
However, 77 MPs are said to have signed a separate petition in support of the party's stance.