National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has defended the party's controversial 2023 parliamentary leadership reshuffle, stating that the bold internal decision was crucial to securing victory in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking in Tamale during his nationwide Thank You Tour, Mr Nketiah explained that changing political dynamics made it necessary to alter the party's forward line in Parliament to reposition the NDC for success.

The reshuffle, executed in January 2023, saw Dr Cassiel Ato Forson replace Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader, while Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah took over from James Klutse Avedzi as Deputy Minority Leader.

Kwame Agbodza was named Minority Whip, supported by Ahmed Ibrahim and Comfort Doyoe Ghansah as First and Second Deputy Whips.

Mr Nketiah acknowledged that the decision caused significant internal tension and led some to believe personal friction had arisen between him and long-time friends, but he clarified that the strategy was purely political rather than personal.

Comparing his role as National Chairman to that of a team coach heading into a tournament, Mr. Nketiah stated it was his responsibility to make difficult tactical changes to ensure an electoral win.

He maintained that the eventual outcome of the 2024 elections fully justified the strategy, describing the performance as one of the strongest electoral victories recorded in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Following the election victory, Mr Nketiah revealed that he advised President Mahama to include experienced party figures like Haruna Iddrisu and Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka in the new administration, which resulted in their subsequent appointments to key ministerial positions.

Concluding his address, the NDC Chairman cautioned supporters against forming internal factions centered around individuals, emphasizing that unity remains vital to the party's future.