The executive director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr Rasheed Draman has described the decision by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to change its leadership in Parliament without broader consultation as unfortunate.
Cassiel Ato Forson, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, has replaced Haruna Iddrisu as the Minority Leader in Parliament.
According to the NDC, MP for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, will now act as the deputy Minority leader.
The party further appointed Governs Kwame Agbodza as the Minority Whip, with Ahmed Ibrahim and Comfort Doyo Ghansah designated as the first and second deputy whips.
Reacting to the development, Draman said the development could spark a rebellion in the party if it is not handled well.
“This is the type of change that if you are not careful, can lead to rebellion within the [NDC] party itself. You want to have leaders who have legitimacy, leaders who are accepted by the people; that is why in most countries, when leaders come to power by force, eventually you see people protesting.
“Our democratic practice is evolving, and I think that the parties ought to be mindful of this, that the national executive has power, but consultation is crucial in taking key decisions.”
“We saw what happened recently in the ranks of the Majority and they rebelled against the president. So think about a party in opposition and the kind of rebellion you could have in your hand if this matter is not handled carefully,” Draman said.