The Council of Elders of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has barred party leadership and functionaries from making public comments on the controversial reshuffling of the Minority Caucus in Parliament’s leadership, albeit for now.
The Council in a statement on Saturday, January 28, cautioned the party against missteps that would inure to the benefit of persons it called NDC’s “detractors”.
The statement signed by the Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, is in response to a petition by some NDC Members of Parliament who protested against the change of party’s leadership in Parliament without proper consultation.
The National Democratic Congress named Ato Forson as the new Minority Leader replacing Haruna Iddrisu. In a letter to the Speaker of Parliament on Monday, the party also stated the names of Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and Kwame Agbodza as the new Deputy Minority Leader and Chief Whip respectively.
The announcement caused a sharp division among members of parliament with a pocket of party supporters protesting against the decision.
But having acknowledged receipt of the petition by the disgruntled MPs, the Council said it has initiated steps to act expeditiously on the petition and related matters.
“While this process is underway, the Council urges our Honourable Members of Parliament, Party leadership at all levels and all concerned persons to refrain from further public pronouncements on the matter in the larger interest of our great NDC.
“This is a time to be circumspect in order not to play into the hands of our detractors.”
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Below is the Council’s Statement
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NDC COUNCIL OF ELDERS ON THE RECENT CHANGES IN NDC PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS LEADERSHIP.
The Council of Elders of the NDC acknowledges receipt of a petition from some members of the NDC Parliamentary caucus regarding recent appointments to leadership positions.
The Council has initiated steps to act expeditiously on the petition and related matters. While this process is underway, the Council urges our Honourable Members of Parliament, Party leadership at all levels and all concerned persons to refrain from further public pronouncements on the matter in the larger interest of our great NDC. This is a time to be circumspect in order not to play into the hands of our detractors.
The Council assures the rank and file of the Party of an early and principled resolution of the issues and ultimately, the NDC will emerge stronger and more united.
We urge all members of the NDC to re-dedicate themselves to working for victory in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2024, to alleviate the suffering of the Ghanaian people.
Signed.
Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu
Chairman
Signed.