Rev. Christian Kwabena Andrew, popularly known as Osofo Kyiri Abosom, founder of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) and the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, has urged the media to ignore what he described as growing tensions within the governing National Democratic Congress over the party’s anticipated 2028 flagbearership contest.
Speaking in an interview on ICAD TV, the founder and leader of Life Assembly Worship Centre stated that the alleged internal power struggle between Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, is a deliberate political distraction aimed at diverting public attention from the government’s campaign promises and pressing national concerns.
According to Osofo Kyiri Abosom, discussions surrounding alleged feuds among politicians contribute little to national development and should not dominate media discourse at a time when Ghanaians are grappling with serious socio-economic challenges.
Reacting to the growing public debate over the relationship between Haruna Iddrisu and Asiedu Nketia, he argued that political talk shows and media platforms should instead focus on demanding accountability from government officials on issues affecting the lives of ordinary citizens.
“If I were a journalist, I would not be discussing the Haruna Iddrisu and Asiedu Nketia issue because it is of no importance to the development of the country,” he stated.
He, however, acknowledged the commercial realities facing media houses, suggesting that sensational political disputes often attract audience attention.
“But the issue is that if you fail to talk about it too, no one would listen to your station,” he added.
Recent political developments within the NDC have sparked widespread speculation about an emerging succession battle ahead of the 2028 elections.
The situation intensified after Johnson Asiedu Nketia publicly disclosed that he personally pushed for the removal of Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader during the party’s parliamentary reshuffle.
The controversial restructuring saw Haruna Iddrisu, Muntaka Mubarak, and other leading figures removed from their leadership positions in Parliament to pave the way for the leadership team headed by Cassiel Ato Forson.
Speaking at various public events, Asiedu Nketia defended the move as a strategic decision necessary to strengthen the party’s parliamentary front ahead of the 2024 general elections.
He also suggested that the reshuffle was implemented despite initial reservations from President John Dramani Mahama, describing it as a deliberate effort to “change the forward line.”
Political observers have since interpreted Asiedu Nketia’s nationwide political engagements and comments as early signs of presidential ambition ahead of the NDC’s future internal contest, an interpretation that has reportedly created discomfort among some party faithful.
Haruna Iddrisu, on his part, has subtly responded to the developments by downplaying Asiedu Nketia’s public tours, describing them as mere “curtain-raisers” rather than major political events.
He has also publicly distanced himself from suggestions that parliamentary figures support any early leadership agenda.
However, Osofo Kyiri Abosom criticised the growing public fascination with such political disputes, arguing that many Ghanaians pay excessive attention to issues that do not contribute meaningfully to national progress.
He claimed that “98 percent of Ghanaians are gullible and have weaker minds,” which, according to him, explains the eagerness with which many consume political controversy instead of engaging in discussions on development.
The GUM founder further criticised recent instances where some party supporters demanded automatic employment opportunities after helping political parties win power.
“If we are serious and think about the development of the country, we wouldn’t have people who claim to be NDC members organising press conferences to say they fought hard for the party to come to power and therefore must automatically get employment in agencies,” he argued.
He stressed that governance should focus on improving systems and creating opportunities that benefit all citizens rather than rewarding partisan interests.
“We don’t think well as a people. So because of your work and parochial interest, should the government not work to better the system to benefit everyone?” he questioned.
Osofo Kyiri Abosom highlighted what he believes should be Ghana’s real priorities, including the construction of better roads, improved schools, quality healthcare facilities, access to potable water, and other critical infrastructure needed to improve the living conditions of citizens.
By 1960news.com
