New minority leader Cassiel Ato Forson has appealed to the rank and file of the National Democratic Congress “to keep calm” following the caucus leadership shake-up, adding: “Members of parliament are in good hands” and “we will work with them in due diligence”.

“Obviously”, he told journalists at his first press conference as minority leader on Thursday, 26 January 2023, “we are not new in this house”. 

“I’ve been in this house for 14 years; I know the capabilities of all our colleagues”, he explained, noting: “Some, I met, some came to meet me”. 

“I have worked closely with most of our colleagues and I can assure you that together, we shall succeed,” the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam MP added.

His elevation as minority leader has caused ripples in the party and in the caucus.

While some MPs of the caucus support the leadership change, others do not.

Those against it say there was not much consultation and have asked that the old leadership is maintained.

Dr Forson is to be assisted by Mr Emmanual Armah Kofi Buah as Deputy Minority Leader.

The former Minister of Petroleum replaces Mr James Klutse Avedzi, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.

The party named a new Minority Chief Whip in the person of Mr Kwame Agbodza, who replaces Mr Muntaka Mubarak.

The First Deputy Whip remains Mr Ibrahim Ahmed and the Second Deputy Whip remains Comfort Doyoe Ghansah.

In a post on Facebook ahead of his press conference, Dr Forson said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been chosen to lead our illustrious and gallant caucus in Parliament” and “I thank the leadership of our party who have placed their trust and confidence in me”.

“I am also deeply grateful to colleagues, the rank and file of our party and the Ghanaian people for their profound support and solidarity”, he noted. 

The former deputy finance minister said: “I have held fruitful and positive conversations with my senior brother Hon. Haruna Iddrisu. I commend him for his admirable stewardship when he was granted the opportunity by our party's leadership”. 

He promised: “As leader, it will be my duty to represent our collective goals with unwavering dedication and high integrity. I have no doubt that with your support we shall succeed”.