New minority leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has expressed the need for unity within the National Democratic Congress caucus in parliament.

According to him, his first responsibility as the new minority leader of the NDC is to unite the caucus in parliament. He revealed that he will work to attain the cohesion needed to drive the party.

“I have no doubt that with the support of the entire minority caucus in parliament, we shall succeed. Let me also add that our first responsibility is to unite the caucus and that will be number one on the agenda.”
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

Expressing his gratitude on his election as the new minority leader, Dr Forson indicated that he is “deeply honored” to have been chosen to lead the NDC minority caucus in Ghana’s parliament. He equally used the opportunity to thank the leadership of the party who have placed their trust and confidence in him.

“I’m also deeply grateful to our colleagues, the rank and file of our great party, the NDC, and the people of Ghana for their profound support and solidarity.”
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

Speaking at a press conference today, January 26, 2023, Dr Forson stated that he has held a fruitful, positive and frank conversation with the former minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu. He commended Mr Iddrisu for his “admirable leadership and stewardship” when he was granted the opportunity by the party to lead the caucus.

“As leader, it will be my duty to represent our collective goals in particular, with unwavering dedication and most importantly, with high integrity. Things of this nature happens but obviously, there’s the need for us to show leadership and we will do just that.”
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

President Akufo-Addo urged to downsize government

Elaborating on his plans for the caucus, Dr Forson stated that he will focus the next month to tackle three things. First, he cautioned the NPP side that the people of Ghana are falling on them to downsize government to reflect the mood of the country. He underscored that if government is asking people to forgo their coupons or interests, and also sacrifice their payout, then there is the need for government to show similar commitment.

“So, if His Excellency the President intends to reshuffle his government, let it be known that we in the NDC will not accept an attempt to increase the size of government and if the current size of his ministers increase by one, that one person may not receive our cooperation.”
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

haruna iddrisu 1 — Former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu

Furthermore, Dr Forson assured the people of Ghana that as part of the minority’s engagement with the finance and health committee, it has agreed to do public hearing on the audit of the COVID-19 expenditure, beginning 7th February, 2023. He expressed the minority’s commitment to pay due diligence to the duties given it by the people of Ghana.

“Finally, we will also embark on a roadshow where we will galvanize the people of Ghana and educate them on the meaning of what this economic crisis is going to take us through.”
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

In concluding, the new minority leader appealed to the rank and file of the NDC party to keep calm. He assured members of parliament that they are in good hands and he will work with them with due diligence.

“Obviously, we are not new in this House, I’ve been in this House for fourteen years, I know the capabilities of all our colleagues, some I met, some came to meet me. I have worked closely with most of our colleagues and I can assure you that together, we shall succeed.”
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson