Political analyst and local governance expert, Richard Fiadomor, has downplayed recent discussions surrounding comments made by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, regarding changes to the front bench in Parliament ahead of the 2024 elections.
Speaking on Ahotor Adekyee Mu Nsem on Ahotor FM, Mr. Fiadomor said the chairman’s remarks have been misunderstood by sections of the party’s rank and file, leading to unnecessary political interpretations.
According to him, the current political climate naturally creates room for individuals within the NDC to begin positioning themselves for future leadership, especially as President John Dramani Mahama is not expected to contest another presidential election after his current tenure.
He explained that although some party members and political observers are linking Asiedu Nketia’s nationwide thank-you tour to possible presidential ambitions, the NDC chairman has never publicly declared any intention to contest for the presidency.
Mr. Fiadomor stressed that President Mahama remains focused on governance and delivering on his administration’s agenda, while the party chairman is also engaging supporters through his own thank-you tour. He insisted that there is no tension or confusion between the President and the NDC chairman.
Commenting on Asiedu Nketia’s recent statement involving Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka and Haruna Iddrisu, the political analyst said he wished the chairman had avoided revisiting the matter publicly, particularly during his visit to the Northern Region, where Haruna Iddrisu has strong political roots.
However, he maintained that the issue should not be treated as major news because the events being discussed occurred after the elections and were already known within political circles.
Mr. Fiadomor argued that the fact both Muntaka and Haruna Iddrisu are currently serving as ministers in government demonstrates that the matter has effectively been resolved and should not create divisions within the party.
He further noted that personal political ambition is normal in democratic politics and that there is nothing wrong with individuals aspiring to succeed President Mahama in the future.
Nonetheless, he cautioned that any minister whose personal political ambition begins to interfere with official responsibilities should be prepared to step aside to ensure effective governance.
According to him, only President Mahama has the authority to determine whether the actions of any appointee are negatively affecting government business, since ministers serve at the pleasure of the President.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah