Former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary Samuel Koku Anyidoho says he has forgiven party National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, reflecting on their strained political relationship as the party prepares to close a 21-year chapter at its headquarters.
In a post on X on Thursday, October 22, Mr Anyidoho recalled Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s election as General Secretary in 2005, succeeding the late Dr Nii Armah Josiah Aryeh. He noted that Mr Asiedu Nketiah went on to become the party’s longest-serving General Secretary before eventually ascending to the position of National Chairman.
Mr Anyidoho, who served as Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s deputy, said their relationship soured after he contested his boss for the General Secretary position, following what he described as an assurance that Mr Asiedu Nketiah would not seek re-election.
“He knows, and most people know, I contested because he had assured me that he would not contest again. As it is, the rest is history,” he wrote.
He further alleged that Mr Asiedu Nketiah unilaterally declared him suspended following the contest, a decision he maintains was invalid. Mr Anyidoho insisted that he remains a legitimate member of the NDC.
Despite their strained relationship, Mr Anyidoho said he had chosen to let go of past grievances and focus on the positive aspects of life rather than remain preoccupied with their differences.
“I honestly had no issues whatsoever working with him as his Deputy,” he stated, adding that he was taken aback by the fallout following his decision to contest him.
Mr Anyidoho further claimed that efforts were made to provoke him into quitting the party, but insisted that he refused to be drawn into resigning from the NDC.
“Ultimately, you wanted me to get angry and say I have resigned from the NDC, but because I was your Deputy and know your modus operandi, I did not fall for your bait,” he wrote.
Mr Anyidoho said a chance encounter with Mr Asiedu Nketiah at the Kumasi airport about two months ago reminded him that their political differences did not erase their shared history. He said the two exchanged pleasantries, shook hands and joked before having a brief conversation aboard the same flight to Accra.
“I believe that there is more that unites us than divides us,” he said.
Mr Anyidoho also recognised Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s role in the NDC and Ghanaian politics, while making reference to reports of his interest in becoming the party’s flagbearer.
“He has certainly written some history politically within the NDC and Ghana. I thank God He did not create me with a petty mind nor petty heart so I say to Johnson Kwadwo Asiedu-Nketiah, Ayekoo,” he wrote.
In closing, Mr Anyidoho reaffirmed that he had put the past behind him and wished Mr Asiedu Nketiah well as he embarks on the next chapter of his political journey.
“I have moved on in life and wish you well as you also move on in life. Shalom,” he added.
