It is emerging that another Ghanaian businessman is fueling the rancour in the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the removal of Muntaka Mubarak and Haruna Iddrisu, as Minority Whip and Minority Leader, respectively with cash.
The businessman’s name had been given as Ali Seidu. It is unclear, what his motives are for fueling the crisis.
Some MPs, have been mentioned as having excitedly confessed to receiving the cash from the said Ali Seidu, over the replacement of Haruna Iddrisu. The Herald, is working on getting the list of the beneficiaries of the cash and their signatures.
He is different from the Ghost businessman, who reportedly offered a huge amount of money to MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, Dr Cassiel Ato Fosrson, to reject his appointment by the NDC to replace Haruna Iddrisu.
Ali Seidu, is also said to be a contractor with a deep pocket and hobnobs with both the opposition NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
More Read
Some of the NDC MPs aggrieved at the removal of Muntaka Mubarak and Haruna Iddrisu, said to have picked between GHC20, 000 and GHC30, 000 from the said Ali Seidu.
The MPs are said to have appended their signatures on a document to acknowledge receipt of the cash from the businessman cum contractor to sustain the crisis in the NDC over the appointment of Ajumako Enyan Essiam Constituency as the Minority Leader in Parliament.
In the case of the Ghost businessman, reports are rife in the opposition party both in and outside parliament that Ato Forson was angry after receiving the phone call from him as he felt disrespected.
The wealthy businessman, who had used his deep pocket to secure Ken Ofori-Atta’s stay in office as Finance Minister, had placed a phone call to the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam MP, to induce him to publicly reject the NDC appointment and see him later for “a parcel” but Dr Ato Fosrson, is said to have rejected the bribe.
The businessman wanted Haruna Iddrisu to remain in office as Minority Leader, and was ready to pay any amount, should Dr Ato Fosrson, accede to his demand.
The Council of Elders of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged its Members of Parliament, Party leadership at all levels and all concerned persons to refrain from further public pronouncements on the appointment of new party leaders in Parliament.
According to the Council of Elders, “this is a time to be circumspect in order not to play into the hands of our detractors”.
The elders gave the advice in a statement acknowledging receipt of a petition from some members of the NDC Parliamentary caucus regarding recent appointments to leadership positions.
On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, the NDC sent a letter to the Speaker of Parliament signed by General Secretary Fifi Kwetey, announcing Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as the new Minority Leader.
Following this announcement, the Minority caucus has been divided with some supporting the move and others against it.
The Council of Elders, has assured the rank and file of the Party of an early and principled resolution of the issues.
Meanwhile, many people have welcomed the appointment of the new minority leadership.
Among them are chiefs from the Ajumako Traditional Council in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District in the Central Region.
According to them, they are delighted to hear that their son Dr Caseal Ato Forson, has been elevated in the Parliament House.
They noted that his appointment is well-deserved and long overdue, due to his exploits.
“We are highly elated with this appointment as he has undoubtedly worked with commitment and dedication to the National Democratic Congress, his constituency-Ajumako Enyan Essiam, and Ghana as a whole,” the Paramount Chief of Ajumako Traditional Council, Okokodrufo Ogyeabo Kwamena Hammah Ababio, said in a Press Conference.
He called on the Ancestors of the Land and God’s Protection for Dr Ato Forson, to enable him to deliver in Parliament.
Okokodrufo Ogyeabo Kwamena Hammah Ababio, said Dr Cassiel Forson, has made the Efua Ajumako Traditional Area, adding that the traditional authority will continue to offer him massive support so he succeeds.
The Chiefs also thanked the Leadership of the NDC for the honour done to their son.
The Western Regional branch of NDC, has also congratulated Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle, on his new role as Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament. He replaced James Klutse Avedzi as the Deputy Minority Leader, the MP for Ketu North in the Volta Region.
A statement issued and signed by Western Regional Secretary of the NDC, Joseph Nelson in Takoradi, noted that “since his giant killing feat in 2008, when he beat the then incumbent MP Hon. Freddy Blay, that ushered him into Parliament for the first time, he has grown to become a stalwart in the region, Parliament and the political space in our dear country.
“His sterling qualities of humility, respect for all, selflessness and hard work, have enabled him serve his constituents, Western Region, Parliament and Ghana remarkably.”
The statement, said as a former Minister for Energy and later Petroleum, he contributed immensely to the development of those sectors and left an indelible mark. “Members in the Region are not surprised that once again, your qualities have shown through your work in Parliament and caught the attention of party leadership at the highest level to honour you with this latest appointment.”
The NDC in the Adaklu Constituency, has congratulated Kwame Governs Agbodza on his appointment as Minority Chief Whip for parliamentary businesses.
Mr Agbodza, a MP for the Adaklu Constituency, is part of the new leadership chosen by the Party.
Mr Agbodza is an expert in infrastructure and the Ranking Member for the Roads and Transport Committee in Parliament.
A statement signed by Hayford Amenuvie, the Constituency Secretary, said: “With an overwhelming happiness, the leadership and membership of NDC Party here in the Constituency are excited and proud to once again congratulate you into your new role as Minority Whip in Parliament.”
“In recent times, your performance as overall best Member of Parliament and your massive developmental projects and support for the constituents attest to your great leadership skills.”
Ahmed Ibrahim and Comfort Doyo Ghansah, are first and Second Deputy Whips.
