The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has insisted he does not regret the Minority leadership reshuffle he made while they were in opposition.
In 2024, ahead of the general elections, Haruna Iddrisu was replaced as Minority Leader by Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, and Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak as Minority Chief Whip by Governs Kwame Agbodza.
He says the change in the party’s parliamentary leadership was worth it, considering the impact of the decision and how it aided their return to power.
‘General Mosquito’ as he is popularly known, says he is standing by the decision, which delivered results despite the backlash. It was the first time an opposition party in Ghana had carried out such a major leadership overhaul in Parliament, generating an intense debate within the NDC and the entire political spectrum.
Asiedu Nketia insists telling the public about his rationale for the changes wasn’t an issue for him since it was simply the truth. “It doesn’t change the truth, whether some people accept it or not. The truth remains the truth,” he told JoyNews on Tuesday, August 5, 2026.
“As I’ve said, a rose described by whatever adjectives will still smell sweet. So I always want to stay on the side of truth. Once I say something and it is true, whether you accept it or not, that is it. I’m okay with that. I sleep and sleep well,” he added.
According to him, he revealed the rationale to the general public because he felt nobody had reason to be offended, saying those who listened to his full explanation would realise “it was much ado about nothing.”
“I don’t think that anybody ought to be hurt. I didn’t think that it was reasonable for anybody to be hurt.”
Regarding his relationship with Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka, following the reshuffle, he said they remained “very close. We worked together.”
“I’m cool with my junior brothers Haruna and Muntaka, and we are moving together in Accra,” he noted, saying he needed to explain to address the division which was being created among the party base over the decision.
He maintained it was the best decision for the party despite it being the first time such an overhaul had occurred in an opposition party, saying he would always take a step in doing something if he believes that is best for the party.
“If I believe that this is the right way of achieving my results, I will go for it, even though heaven’s fall.”
Asiedu Nketiah acknowledged that Muntaka was initially deeply unhappy with the decision and even described it as “a coup.”
However, he said he expected such reactions because difficult decisions often come with temporary pain. “If I know that that cut is necessary to heal you, I’m good with it.”
He revealed they now share a laugh about it, remembering how he joked with Muntaka about not arresting him after congratulating him on becoming Interior Minister, with Muntaka replying by saying he would likely be out of office before reaching Nsawam Prison.
