Independent MP-elect Kwame A-Plus sides with NDC Caucus in 9th Parliament

Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as Kwame A-Plus, the Independent Member of Parliament-elect for Gomoa Central, has officially joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Ghana's 9th Parliament.

On January 6, 2025, the eve of President-elect John Mahama’s inauguration, A-Plus shared photos on his verified Facebook page from a meeting with Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the leader of the NDC caucus. The images showed the two politicians shaking hands and engaged in conversation. A-Plus captioned the post with handshake and thumbs-up emojis, signaling his alignment with the NDC.

In a previous Facebook post, A-Plus disclosed that both the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC had approached him to secure his support in Parliament. According to him, the NPP, represented by Kennedy Agyapong, had offered enticing terms, including an agreement not to contest the Gomoa Central seat in the 2028 election. However, he emphasized his inclination toward the NDC while leaving room for negotiation based on what he felt best served his interests and those of his constituents.

"While I have friends in both the NDC and NPP, they need to understand that I will have to disappoint someone tomorrow. Deep down, my heart leans toward the NDC, but I will ultimately side with whoever has my interest at heart and provides the best offer for me and the people of Gomoa Central," he wrote.

By aligning with the NDC, A-Plus joined three other independent MPs who have pledged their support to the party, giving the NDC a decisive edge in Parliament. This collaboration, combined with the NDC's 183 elected MPs, has pushed the party beyond the 184-seat threshold required for a supermajority.

This development secures the NDC a two-thirds majority in Parliament, solidifying its dominance just months after intense disputes with the outgoing NPP over the majority status. Additionally, Alban S. K. Bagbin has been retained as Speaker of Parliament, further consolidating the NDC’s position under John Mahama’s leadership.