Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni recently revealed fascinating details surrounding the election of Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as Speaker of Parliament on January 6, 2021. In a social media post dated October 21, Manasseh outlined how the National Democratic Congress (NDC) executed a strategic plan that not only surprised their rivals, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), but also ultimately secured Bagbin’s victory. The behind-the-scenes efforts were attributed to a dedicated group of 15 young Members of Parliament (MPs) led by Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, whose tactical brilliance played a pivotal role during the turbulent events of that night.
As Manasseh narrated, this intricate strategy originated from a crucial meeting amongst key members of the NDC, including former President John Dramani Mahama. The NDC MPs-elect were strategically placed in two hotels in Accra—specifically the Ibis and Marriot hotels—where they underwent rigorous preparations to ensure the success of their action plan. Mahama’s proactive engagement was instrumental; he took it upon himself to meet the MPs on the day of the election, reinforcing the need for unity and coordination amongst them before their departure to Parliament House.
A significant element of the NDC’s plan was to avert any disruption from legal challenges concerning James Gyakye Quayson, the MP-elect for Assin North. Manasseh’s account illustrated how Quayson was cleverly smuggled into Parliament before the voting commenced, thereby mitigating the threat of any last-minute legal obstructions. This meticulous attention to detail exemplified the NDC’s commitment to their cause and their intent to outmaneuver the NPP, who were expectantly prepared for a straightforward election process.
As the night of the election unfolded, the NDC’s strategy came to fruition, enabling them to catch the NPP off guard. Interviews conducted by Manasseh with influential figures such as the First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu, and NPP member Bryan Acheampong revealed a shared acknowledgment of the NDC’s superior strategy. Both parties recognized the difficulties faced by the NPP, allowing for candid admissions regarding the NDC’s meticulous planning and execution.
Moreover, Manasseh noted that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, acknowledging the challenging situation, proactively advised the NPP leadership to concede during the voting proceedings. This remarkable interaction emphasizes the high stakes of the election and the recognition of the NDC’s adept maneuvering. Bagbin’s election represented a significant milestone, marking the first time an opposition candidate held the Speakership role in Ghana’s parliamentary history and indicating a notable shift in the nation’s political dynamics.
For the NDC, the successful election of Alban Bagbin as Speaker was a celebrated moment, embodying a triumph against the odds. Manasseh attributed this achievement to the meticulous planning, discipline, and organization demonstrated by the party’s MPs. Insights and further details on this pivotal moment in Ghana’s political landscape are thoroughly explored in Manasseh’s latest book, “The President Ghana Never Got,” which delves into significant events that have shaped the country’s political past.
