The Second Deputy Majority Whip and Member of Parliament for Bia East, Richard Acheampong, has dismissed suggestions that newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga could be intimidated by the Minority in Parliament.
Mr Acheampong said Mr Agalga has the parliamentary and government experience required to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority caucus and effectively manage the demands of the position.
Mr Acheampong described the appointment as part of the changes following President John Dramani Mahama’s recent ministerial appointments.
“In democracy, these are some of the expectations. You always need to put people where they can function effectively,” he said.
Mr Acheampong congratulated Mr Agalga and pledged the support of the Majority leadership as he takes up his new responsibilities.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate him and welcome him to leadership. We are going to work together and make sure the caucus remains strong,” he said.
Mr Acheampong said the NDC parliamentary caucus would formally introduce Mr Agalga as Majority Leader when Parliament resumes.
He expressed confidence that the caucus would give the appointment its full backing.
“So far, so good. I haven’t read or heard any negative comment about the appointment, so I know the caucus is going to endorse him 100 per cent and we will start working together,” he said.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, August 7, 2026, his comments were in response to concerns raised by former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, who suggested that Mr Agalga’s lack of previous experience in top parliamentary leadership could make him vulnerable to pressure from the Minority.
Mr Acheampong rejected that view, pointing to Mr Agalga’s experience in Parliament and government as evidence that he is prepared for the role.
“He has been a Deputy Interior Minister before. He is now the chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee. He has been around Parliament, so he knows the dos and don’ts of the House,” he said.
Mr Acheampong also highlighted Mr Agalga’s contributions to parliamentary proceedings, particularly his participation in debates on legislative instruments.
“On the floor of the House, you can hear him contribute, especially when it comes to legislative instruments and all that. So it’s not some walkover person that the Minority is going to walk over,” he said.
Mr Acheampong repeated the point in defending the Majority Leader against suggestions that he could be easily pressured by the Minority.
“That is just political talk. He is a very strong person. You will see his performance.”
He said the Majority caucus would work with Mr Agalga to maintain unity and ensure that it effectively carries out its parliamentary responsibilities when the House resumes.
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