Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho, says he has forgiven National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, reflecting on their troubled political relationship as a 21-year era at the party’s headquarters draws to a close.
In a post on X on Thursday, October 22, Mr Anyidoho recounted how Mr Asiedu Nketiah was elected General Secretary in 2005, replacing the late Dr Nii Armah Josiah Aryeh, and went on to become the party’s longest-serving General Secretary before rising to the chairmanship.
Mr Anyidoho, who served as his deputy, recalled that their relationship deteriorated after he challenged his boss for the General Secretary position, despite what he said was an assurance that Mr Asiedu Nketiah would not seek another term.
“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 also alleged that Mr Asiedu Nketiah unilaterally announced his suspension after the contest, a decision he insists was invalid. Mr Anyidoho maintained that he remains a bona fide member of the NDC.
Despite their differences, he said he had chosen to move on and focus on the positive aspects of life rather than dwell on past grievances.
“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 alleged that he was deliberately provoked in an attempt to make him resign from the party, but said he refused to take the bait.
“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.
He said a chance meeting with Mr Asiedu Nketiah at Kumasi airport about two months ago offered a reminder that their differences did not erase their shared history. The two exchanged greetings, shook hands, joked and later chatted briefly on the same flight to Accra.
“I believe that there is more that unites us than divides us,” he said.
Mr Anyidoho also acknowledged Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s contribution to the NDC and Ghanaian politics, while alluding to his reported ambition to become the party’s presidential candidate.
“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.
Concluding his message on a note of reconciliation, Mr Anyidoho said he had moved on and wished the NDC National Chairman well as he navigates the next phase of his political career.
“I have moved on in life and wish you well as you also move on in life. Shalom,” he added.