Former Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has cast doubt on a recent directive by the party's chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, instructing NDC Members of Parliament to boycott parliamentary sittings. According to Anyidoho, NDC MPs are unlikely to heed the call, as their financial interests and the pending 2025 budget deliberations will take precedence.
In a social media post, Anyidoho suggested that the MPs will prioritize their salaries and ex-gratia provisions outlined in the upcoming budget over compliance with the boycott directive. He criticized Asiedu Nketia’s leadership, stating, "Their salaries and ex-gratia are all part of the first-quarter budget in 2025."
The situation highlights growing tensions within the NDC leadership, especially as Ghana approaches crucial general elections in three weeks. Some MPs are reportedly conflicted about balancing their legislative duties with campaign responsibilities.
NDC MP Sam Nartey George has publicly stated that the party’s legislators are unlikely to return to Parliament if recalled by the Speaker. According to George, the priority for MPs at this time is to focus on their constituencies, mobilizing support and canvassing for votes. He emphasized that the proximity of the elections requires MPs to be on the ground, engaging with their constituents.
This development raises questions about the NDC’s internal cohesion and strategy ahead of the elections. While the party seeks to present a united front, the competing priorities of legislative obligations and election campaigns could create challenges for its leadership and members.
Observers have noted that the impending budget discussions are critical, as they include key provisions for the first quarter of 2025. MPs, regardless of party affiliation, may find it difficult to ignore the financial implications of these deliberations, further complicating the NDC’s efforts to enforce party discipline.
This unfolding dynamic also underscores the broader challenges faced by political parties in balancing governance responsibilities with electioneering during high-stakes periods. How the NDC navigates this tension in the coming weeks could significantly impact its performance in the elections and its ability to present itself as a cohesive alternative to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The issue reflects a larger debate about the roles and responsibilities of MPs during election periods and the extent to which party directives should influence their decisions.
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