Ya Naa Raises Concerns About The Removal of Haruna Iddrisu as the Minority Leader

The King and Overlord of Dagbon, Ya Naa Abukari II, has raised concerns about the recent removal of Haruna Iddrisu as the Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament. In a call for greater transparency and clarity, Ya Naa Abukari II urged Parliament to establish clear guidelines for the selection of leadership within both the Majority and Minority Caucuses, similar to the process followed in electing the Speaker of Parliament and their deputies.

The controversy arose when the National Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) replaced Haruna Iddrisu with Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as the new Minority Leader. Additionally, James Klutse Avedzi was replaced by Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah as the Deputy Minority Leader. These sudden changes within the party’s parliamentary leadership caused tensions and confusion among party members and parliamentarians.

While some members criticized the decision, National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, defended it as part of the party’s internal restructuring in preparation for the upcoming 2024 general elections. However, Ya Naa Abukari II highlighted the need for clear guidelines in the selection process to prevent such capricious removals in the future.

The Dagbon Overlord emphasized that clarifying the procedures for choosing leadership roles in both the majority and minority caucuses would promote unity within the legislature and enhance good governance in the country. He also recognized the crucial role of Parliament in holding the executive branch accountable and stressed the importance of strengthening this role.

During his visit to Yendi, Speaker of Parliament Alban S.K Bagbin expressed his belief that the development of the country should not solely rely on politicians but should involve active participation from traditional and religious leaders. He questioned the constitutional prohibition on chiefs engaging in politics, stating that they should have an active role in governance.

Ya Naa Abukari II’s call for clarity and guidelines in the selection of parliamentary leadership reflects the need for a more transparent and structured process within Ghana’s political landscape. By establishing clear procedures, the aim is to ensure a more stable and inclusive governance system that incorporates the valuable insights and contributions of traditional leaders.