The National Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin has reprimanded the media and social reporters to desist from creating non-existing mayhem in his party. This is due to the current change in leadership formation in the Minority (NDC) in parliament.

Mr. Yamin stated that the verdict by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Democratic Congress not to consult the Members of Parliament on the reshuffle is justifiable; that the NEC is powerful enough to take matters into its own hands without the consent of anybody.

The National Organizer to the NDC went on to put it forth that the media are not right to put controversial news out there without knowing the full back story. He claimed that many have reported news that was only meant to awaken hatred in the hearts of party members towards the newly elected leadership of the minority (NDC) in parliament.

“You are creating a storm in a teacup, let’s say 100 Members of Parliament out of the 136 now are not happy with the decision, and you using Asawase and Tamale South to create a picture that the entire NDC is in turmoil, that the entire NDC foundation is shaken as against four regions that are jubilating, then you are creating a storm out of a teacup.

“So sometimes when I listen to you people, I want to know what you are trying to create and put out there. The party is a democratic one and has taken a decision. It cannot take a decision without consultation.”
Joseph Yamin

According to him, the party thought it wise not to involve themselves in any form of consultation with the Members of Parliament in order to avoid some of the challenges that NDC is facing now. He added that the Constitution of the party does not give MPs any power to elect their leader in Parliament. So, the decision was perfectly right and no MP should speak against it.

“As we speak now the party Executive can sack anybody from the party and that person will not be an MP. So, are the Members of Parliament more powerful than the National Executives? As we speak now Members of Parliament are to renew their mandate to go back to Parliament and we reserve the right to approve or disapprove.”
Joseph Yamin

Mr. Yamin emphasized that the party consulted everyone that matters before the decision to reshuffle the front bench of the party was taken. However, he withheld specific names of individuals that were mentioned before the decision was final made public.

Muntaka Worried About Leadership Decision

The former Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak has expressed worry about the decision of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to remove the party’s leadership in Parliament and replace with new hands.

According to him, the Minority cannot sit aloof for leaders to be chosen for them as Members of Parliament. He added that no matter what happens, the due process must be followed regardless of the powers the party may feel to have possessed.

“At no such meeting was this issue brought up for discussion. So, it is clear that the letter may have been written by the General Secretary. But it’s a decision by a few people, and we believe that our party should sit up because Article 55 of the 1997 constitution enjoins us to follow democratic processes.

“We were never consulted. Rumors that some elders were sent to talk to us, that is not true. We do not think it is acceptable for us as parliamentarians to watch on as leaders are chosen for us.”
Muntaka Mubarak