Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Chairman NDC
In a bold statement that has raised political temperatures, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has warned the party’s Members of Parliament (MPs) to stay away from any emergency parliamentary sitting called by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Nketia’s directive comes amidst growing tensions in the political landscape, with the opposition accusing the ruling party of attempting to manipulate the system ahead of the upcoming elections.
“I am telling NDC MPs: if the NPP recalls Parliament, don’t attend, even if they threaten drastic measures. There’s no genuine emergency,” Nketia declared in a no-nonsense address. His warning was delivered during a public engagement in Asaasetre, Ellembelle Constituency, sending shockwaves through Ghana’s political circles.
The NDC Chairman’s comments follow a series of judicial rulings and political manoeuvres to reshape the legislative balance of power. At the heart of Nketia’s remarks is a challenge to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s authority. “If the Chief Justice believes she has the power to interpret laws, let her attempt to occupy the Speaker’s chair in Parliament to lead Parliament to enact laws and let’s see. I’m saying it will never happen,” Nketia stated defiantly, implying that the judiciary should not encroach on parliamentary functions.
In his passionate defence of the NDC and Ghana’s democratic values, Nketia asserted, “Democracy can’t thrive without Parliament. In any country that embraces democracy, protecting Parliament is crucial. Weakening Parliament means democracy has failed. We’ll fiercely defend Parliament and democracy with every fibre of our being. We won’t stand idly by while one person undermines democracy— not today, not tomorrow.”
The NDC Chairman accused the ruling NPP of using the final months before the 2024 general elections to pursue a dangerous agenda. “We won’t tolerate any last-minute manoeuvres that could undermine our democracy,” Nketia declared, calling on Ghanaians to remain vigilant against political ploys to destabilise the country.
Regarding the ongoing political tensions, particularly the potential impact of a parliamentary recall, Nketia sought to reassure the public. “The recent events in Parliament raise questions. Judges claim there’s work to be done, and some warn that the government might collapse if parliamentarians depart. However, I urge NDC MPs to stand firm: if an emergency recall is initiated, boycott it. This won’t destabilise the country; rather, it will fortify democracy and foster progress,” he said with conviction.
Nketia’s comments also targeted judicial overreach, especially the Supreme Court’s role in interpreting parliamentary procedures. He encouraged MPs to stick to the established laws of Parliament and not allow any external interference. “We must rely on the laws passed by Parliament, not the interpretations of others,” he said.
Asiedu Nketia then called for unity within the NDC and urged Ghanaians to support the party in the upcoming elections. “Ghanaians will head to the polls to exercise their right to vote. After the election, Ghanaians will demonstrate their commitment to democracy. Let’s cast our ballots for our parliamentary leaders and support the NDC in securing more seats to uphold democratic values,” he said.
In a final reference to the constitution, Nketia took a swipe at those he believes are misinterpreting its intent. “When we were preparing to write the constitution, lawyers from the Ghana Bar Association and others claimed they couldn’t collaborate with meat butchers and hairdressers to draft it. Yet, today, the butchers and hairdressers have the constitution at their fingertips, but those who said they can’t collaborate with hairdressers and butchers keep it under their pillow. If we, the ones who wrote it, don’t understand it, how can you understand?” he remarked, emphasising his belief in the authority of those who crafted the country’s laws.
His speech also took a personal tone, warning against misinterpretations that threaten the core values of Ghanaian democracy. “Are they the ones who have gone to school? We have made laws that define a man as a man and a female as a female. You’re telling me that you have the power to interpret the laws, so we should accept a female as a male?” Nketia questioned, a reference likely directed at the ongoing political and social debates over gender and identity issues.
With the elections just around the corner, the NDC’s firm stance, led by Asiedu Nketia, signals that the party is prepared for an intense political battle to safeguard Ghana’s democracy, even if it means challenging the very institutions that are supposed to uphold it.
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