On January 24, the NDC appointed Cassiel Ato Forson as the new Minority Leader in lieu of Haruna Iddrisu. James Klutse Avedzi, the deputy minority leader, was also replaced by Armah Kofi-Buah, the member of parliament for Ellembelle, and Muntaka Mubarak, the minority chief whip, was also replaced by Governor Kwame Agbodza.
Some party members in Tamale South in the Northern Region and Asawase in the Ashanti region are upset over the party’s choice. The party has been urged to reverse the decision and reinstate both Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka Mubarak by the enraged followers.
Cassiel Ato Forson on his part has issued a statement accepting the job of Minority Leader even before the dust settles.
“I am honored and humbled to have been chosen to lead our illustrious and gallant caucus in Parliament.” He wrote on his Facebook wall.
“I thank the leadership of our party who have placed their trust and confidence in me.” the post continued.
“I am also deeply grateful to colleagues, the rank and file of our party, and the Ghanaian people for their profound support and solidarity. I have held fruitful and positive conversations with my senior brother Hon. Haruna Iddrisu. I commend him for his admirable stewardship when he was granted the opportunity by our party’s leadership. As a leader, it will be my duty to represent our collective goals with unwavering dedication and high integrity.”
Despite criticism from its own members, the NDC’s newly elected leadership has defended the organization’s leadership transition in parliament. The party claims that the choice is appropriate and serves collective interests more so than individual ones.
In an interview with Eyewitness News, the general secretary of the NDC, Fiifi Kwetey, refuted these claims and insisted that the right people had been contacted for the essential inputs.
