The National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, says the party’s campaign promise to limit ministerial appointments to 60 has constrained President John Mahama’s ability to appoint more party members to government positions.
Addressing NDC members in Kumasi during a meeting with the Ashanti Regional chapter of the party, Mr. Nketia explained that the pledge made while the party was in opposition was instrumental in winning the 2024 general election but has also reduced opportunities for party supporters seeking appointments.
According to him, then-candidate John Mahama repeatedly criticised the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration for what the NDC described as an oversized government, prompting the party to promise a leaner ministerial structure if elected.
“That promise helped us win power,” Mr. Nketia said. “But it also means the President cannot exceed the number he committed to, even if there are many qualified party members who deserve appointments.”
He urged party members to reflect on the role they played in endorsing the policy, noting that the same supporters who are now dissatisfied fully backed the pledge at the time.
“If we had asked him to appoint 1,000 ministers, he could have done so,” he said. “But we all knew that such a promise would not have brought us victory.”
Mr. Nketia said the opposition NPP has seized on internal dissatisfaction within the NDC, accusing the party of benefiting politically from the reduced government size while its members bear the cost.
“They are mocking us,” he said. “They say outside there is praise, but at home there is frustration.”
Despite the concerns, Mr. Nketia maintained that President Mahama is honouring his commitment to reduce the size of government in order to protect public finances. He appealed to party members to stop agitating publicly over appointments and instead support the government’s agenda.
He warned that internal discontent, if not managed carefully, could weaken the government and potentially push the party back into opposition.
“If we return to opposition, it will not be Bawumia or Kennedy Agyapong who will appoint you as a minister,” he cautioned.
Mr. Nketia further advised party members to resolve internal grievances privately, warning that public disputes could provide political ammunition to the opposition.
“Let us not wash our dirty linen in public,” he said. “The NPP will use it against us.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
