Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has shed light on the internal conversations that led to the removal of former Minority Leader of Parliament Haruna Iddrisu and Minority Chief Whip Mohammed Mubarak-Muntaka from their leadership positions in Parliament ahead of the 2024 elections.

According to him, he foresaw the strategy of the party’s main opponent, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), going into the elections and believed it was necessary to restructure the NDC’s front bench in Parliament to secure victory.

Speaking during his “Thank You” tour in a viral video, Asiedu Nketiah explained that his decision was met with resistance from then-flagbearer John Dramani Mahama. However, he insisted on the changes, emphasising his role as party chairman and “coach” leading the team into the elections.

“I said that we have to change the forward line of Parliament; otherwise, it will be difficult for us to win the election. President Mahama disagreed with me but I said that you have elected me as chairman of this party.

“I am the coach of the party going into the election. So let me make the changes that will win us the election. When we win, we all enjoy together, “he said.

He added that after the reshuffle, Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka Mubarak were asked to step aside for new leaders to take charge. Although the move sparked controversy and strained long-standing friendships, Asiedu Nketiah maintained that the decision ultimately contributed to the NDC’s victory in the 2024 elections.

The party replaced Haruna Iddrisu with Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the then Ranking Member on the Finance Committee and MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, as Minority Leader. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembele, was appointed Deputy Minority Leader, replacing Dr James Klutse Avedzi.

Additionally, Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, was named Minority Whip, replacing Mubarak Muntaka.

Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Chairman of the NDC, says the party’s 2024 election victory was partly driven by deliberate changes to its parliamentary leadership to improve electoral competitiveness.

He said the 2023 reshuffle of the Minority leadership, which replaced Haruna Iddrisu… pic.twitter.com/hcnE5iAlI3

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) May 22, 2026