Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Kwetey addressed recent developments that compelled President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and order the withdrawal of a parliamentary move.
According to him, the situation could have been avoided if there had been proper coordination and consultation within the party before the decision was taken.
“What I will say is that you heard what the President himself said — that they should withdraw it,” Kwetey noted.
“What I will say is that you heard what the President himself said — that they should withdraw it,” Kwetey noted.
“In that respect, I must say that the Majority Leader and the Chief Whip have been doing a great job so far.”
Despite his commendation of the parliamentary leadership, Kwetey was quick to emphasise that Parliament does not operate independently of the party.
Despite his commendation of the parliamentary leadership, Kwetey was quick to emphasise that Parliament does not operate independently of the party.
He explained that while Majority leaders have an important mandate, they are still accountable to the broader party structure and must act in line with collective decision-making processes.
“There is a need for them to appreciate that they are not an island,” he said.
“There is a need for them to appreciate that they are not an island,” he said.
“They are operating as part of the party, and therefore major decisions must be taken in consultation with the party hierarchy.”
Kwetey revealed that the national leadership of the NDC was not consulted prior to the parliamentary action that triggered the President’s directive, a situation he described as unacceptable.
Kwetey revealed that the national leadership of the NDC was not consulted prior to the parliamentary action that triggered the President’s directive, a situation he described as unacceptable.
He warned that such unilateral decisions risk creating unnecessary tension between the executive and the legislature, particularly when sensitive national matters are involved.
“Clearly, we were not consulted,” he stated.
“Clearly, we were not consulted,” he stated.
“The point I’m making is simple — do not go and do things that will force the President to come out and say no.”
He urged party leaders at all levels to work collaboratively, stressing that the NDC functions best when all its organs act in unison.
He urged party leaders at all levels to work collaboratively, stressing that the NDC functions best when all its organs act in unison.
According to him, internal unity and coordination are essential for maintaining public confidence and ensuring smooth governance.
“Work as an organ. Work together,” Kwetey stressed.
“Work as an organ. Work together,” Kwetey stressed.
“Let the party be consulted on major decisions.”
The NDC General Secretary indicated that the issue has already been addressed internally and that he does not intend to escalate the matter in the public domain.
The NDC General Secretary indicated that the issue has already been addressed internally and that he does not intend to escalate the matter in the public domain.
He explained that the party has internal mechanisms for resolving such issues and that those channels have been used.
“I’ve already said what I needed to say at a private level, and I have told them,” he said.
“I’ve already said what I needed to say at a private level, and I have told them,” he said.
“As for the public, that’s all I can say.”
While acknowledging that consultation might naturally occur after such incidents, Kwetey cautioned against allowing similar situations to recur.
While acknowledging that consultation might naturally occur after such incidents, Kwetey cautioned against allowing similar situations to recur.
He warned that repeated lapses in coordination could damage the party’s internal harmony and complicate governance.
“Naturally, consultation may follow after such incidents,” he said, “but we do not need to go through this again in the future.”
Kwetey reserved particular criticism for the party’s Chief Whip, suggesting that an overly hurried approach to parliamentary business can sometimes sideline necessary consultation.
“Naturally, consultation may follow after such incidents,” he said, “but we do not need to go through this again in the future.”
Kwetey reserved particular criticism for the party’s Chief Whip, suggesting that an overly hurried approach to parliamentary business can sometimes sideline necessary consultation.
While stopping short of personal attacks, he stressed the importance of balancing efficiency with due process.
“And this goes especially to the Chief Whip,” Kwetey remarked.
“And this goes especially to the Chief Whip,” Kwetey remarked.
“Sometimes there is a tendency to hasten things without proper consultation, and that is something we must guard against.”
His comments come at a time when the NDC is under heightened public scrutiny, making internal discipline and coordination even more critical.
His comments come at a time when the NDC is under heightened public scrutiny, making internal discipline and coordination even more critical.
Kwetey’s remarks appear aimed at reinforcing party unity while ensuring that future decisions align with the collective will of the leadership.
The General Secretary concluded by reiterating the need for cooperation, consultation, and shared responsibility within the party, stressing that unity remains key to effective leadership and governance.
The General Secretary concluded by reiterating the need for cooperation, consultation, and shared responsibility within the party, stressing that unity remains key to effective leadership and governance.