NDC Minority Front Still Divided

…As ‘3 Wise Men’ Missing At #OccupyBoG Demo

It appears the former leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority in Parliament, who were ousted from their positions in January, this year, have still not forgiven the party for its decision.

The former leaders of the caucus, led by the Tamale South Member of Parliament (MP), Haruna Idrissu, supported by Ketu North MP, James Klutse Avedzi, and the MP for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, whose removal was described in certain quarters as a “coup d’état”, were conspicuously missing at this Tuesday’s #OccupyBoG protest in Accra.

The Anchor observed, the three experienced legislators, nicknamed the “3 Wise Men,” did not join their colleagues, even though the protest march was spearheaded by their successors at the minority leadership.

Interestingly, no explanation has been offered, neither is it known whether the boycott was as a result of any disagreement with their caucus’ reason for the protest, which is to get the governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and his two deputies to resign or sacked.

What was however obvious, is the loud absence of the three MPs, following The Anchor’s monitoring and combing of the crowd that took part in the demonstration last Tuesday.

Until their unexpected removal from the leadership, the Ketu North legislator was the Deputy Minority leader, while the Asawase MP served as Minority Chief Whip.

This paper’s information is that, the absence of the three formers leaders is causing some party elements and supporters within and without to read meanings into their action and, as such, have begun asking questions.

The #OccupyBoG protest was spearheaded by the Minority leadership, with support from the NDC national executives, as well as other political parties, civil society organizations (CSOs), among others, who mobilized hundreds of their constituents for the march.

NDC Regretted

Meanwhile, the host of Joy FM’s news analysis show ‘Newsfile,’ Samson Lardi Anyenini, on Saturday 30th September, claimed the NDC has regretted its decision to replace the previous leaders in Parliament on all fronts.

According to the journalist and lawyer, the party’s relegation of the three experienced politicians to the background was something they have greatly regretted.

He repeated his claim in the presence of his guests, one of whom was Mr. Haruna Idrissu.

But the former student leader and ex-Minister of Communications did not confirm or deny the claim, except to smile and look on.

While playing host to his resource persons, including Nana Akomea, the managing director (MD) of Intercity State Transport Company (STC), Mr.Anyenini said, “as for that, it is a fact. That they have regretted changing their leadership in Parliament.”

New leadership

The former Trade and Industry minister and his two other colleagues were removed from office in January, this year, immediately after the party elected its national executives last November, which saw Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the longest serving general secretary elected as the national chairman.

The three were replaced with MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiem, Dr.AtoForson; Ellembelle MP Emmanuel Armah Kofi Boah and Governs Kwame Agbodza, Adaklu MP, as Minority Leader, deputy Minority Leader and Minority Chief Whip respectively.

The two deputy Chief Whips Banda MP, Ahmed Ibrahim, and Ada legislator, Comfort Doyo Ghansah, were however unchanged.

Some NDC legislators who were unhappy with the situation described the development as a “coup d’etat.”

This led to a sharp division among the MPs, but, with time, many, except the three, appear to have come on board.

For instance, Zebilla MP Cletus Avoka and his junior colleague MPs for Tamale Central and North, who expressed open disquiet about the decision, were all at the protest.

The general secretary position is now occupied by a former MP for the Ketu South Constituency, Fifi Kwetey.

“The new leadership would be charged to recommend consequential changes in the Ranking membership to Headquarters of the party for approval,” the party statement added.

The party, however, fell short of explaining the rationale behind the changes.

Source: Anchorghana.com