Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Member of Parliament for Asawase in the Ashanti Region, criticised the National Democratic Congress leadership for the changes in minority leadership in Parliament.
Speaking on the minority leadership changes for the first time, the former Minority Chief Whip, who called the move a coup, contended that the 17 incumbent MPs who lost their ambition to represent the party in the 2024 elections could have been prevented if the previous leaders had remained in power.
Muntaka believes that the loss of experience in the just concluded parliamentary elections will have an impact on the minority caucus in the next Parliament.
“The truth is that in 2020, because the NPP had bridged camp, there was a lot of vigour, a lot of energy, and naturally when you go for primaries, NPP should be interested in some constituencies creating confusion so that they can have the chance to split your votes and take the constituency, and there are examples like Akontombra and many others.”
“Now, in 2023, the NPP is struggling to find its footing, to stay above water, and then you go and lose 17 MPs.” Whom do you blame? It would be quite unjust to blame the current [Minority] leadership because the primaries were announced prior to the coup that occurred in Parliament, [which was] extremely unwise.”
“Any scientific research will show you that the timing of that coup was completely incorrect.” It didn’t give the new leadership time to settle and strategize on how to preserve many more MPs.”
He went on to say that internal squabbles had turned numerous MPs against the party.
The Asawase MP also asked the NDC’s newly-elected flagbearer, John Mahama, to meet with MPs in smaller groups as part of the party’s efforts to unite ahead of the 2024 elections.
