National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has disclosed that he personally advised President John Dramani Mahama to appoint Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak to key ministerial positions after the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking in Tamale in a video circulated on Friday, May 22, Mr Asiedu Nketia explained that the appointments formed part of a deliberate strategy aimed at preserving party unity, recognising experienced party figures, and strengthening cohesion within government.
According to him, he advised President Mahama against sidelining influential personalities within the NDC during the formation of the new administration.
“After we won the election, I told President Mahama that we cannot ignore Muntaka and Haruna in setting up our government, so they needed to be given big positions,” he stated.
He added that President Mahama accepted the recommendation and subsequently appointed both men to significant roles within the administration.
“President Mahama agreed and gave them the positions, and we are working together and enjoying ourselves. So if you are in Tamale and forming groups for Muntaka and Haruna, it is not our case but your case,” he said.
Mr Asiedu Nketia also reflected on the NDC’s 2024 electoral success, describing it as the result of strategic but difficult internal reforms implemented ahead of the elections.
In 2023, the NDC carried out a major parliamentary leadership reshuffle that removed the then Minority leadership team headed by Mr Haruna Iddrisu. At the time, the party explained that the changes were part of broader organisational restructuring efforts intended to strengthen the party from the grassroots to the national level.
The reshuffle saw Cassiel Ato Forson appointed as Minority Leader, replacing Mr Iddrisu, while other changes were introduced within the party’s parliamentary front bench as part of preparations for the 2024 elections.
