Former Tarkwa Member of Parliament, Mireku Duker has alleged that the reassignment of Ibrahim Ahmed from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources is part of an attempt to reduce the political influence of National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
According to Mireku Duker, Ibrahim Ahmed’s close relationship with Asiedu Nketiah and his growing influence within the Local Government Ministry may have raised concerns ahead of the NDC’s next internal presidential contest.
Speaking about the ministerial reshuffle on Saturday, August 8, 2026, Mr Duker claimed that moving Mr Ahmed to another ministry was intended to weaken his association with the NDC National Chairman.
He described Ibrahim Ahmed as a hardworking and versatile politician whose reassignment could have political consequences within the governing party.
Mr Duker argued that the decision should not be viewed simply as an administrative change, but within the context of the internal political calculations expected to intensify as the NDC prepares for its next presidential primaries.
He suggested that other individuals considered close to Asiedu Nketiah could also face changes to their positions as efforts are allegedly made to limit the National Chairman’s influence.
“This is the spine of Asiedu Nketiah that has been broken,” Mr Duker said, while maintaining that the reassignment was significant to the party’s internal dynamics.
He, however, acknowledged that the final authority over ministerial appointments and changes rested with President John Dramani Mahama.
President Mahama announced the latest ministerial reshuffle on Friday, August 7, 2026, resulting in several changes across government.
Under the reshuffle, Ibrahim Ahmed was moved from the Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry to the Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga was appointed to take over the Local Government portfolio, while Kenneth Gilbert Adjei was reassigned from Works, Housing and Water Resources to the Defence Ministry.
Dr Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings was also appointed Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
Mr Duker maintained that the reshuffle should be understood against the backdrop of the NDC’s evolving internal political dynamics.
