Fifi Kwetey explains why he is comfortable without a government board role

The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, says he has not been offered a government board appointment, describing the situation as one that gives him greater freedom to speak independently on issues affecting the party and government.

Speaking on JoyNews' PM Express, Mr Kwetey said he had neither sought nor asked for a board position, although he would have considered an offer if the role was not full-time.

"I've not gone looking for it. I've not gone asking for it and stuff like that. If they had offered, would you have accepted? Why not? I wouldn't have minded. Because as long as it's not a full-time position, if it's not a full-time position that will hold me, I mean, it's not a problem," he said.

He added that he could not complain about not receiving an appointment because he had not actively pursued one.

Mr Kwetey said remaining outside government board structures had allowed him to discharge his responsibilities as General Secretary without the potential conflict of serving under a minister while also leading the governing party.

He explained that the General Secretary's position places him at the centre of the relationship between the party and government, making a board chairmanship under a minister potentially complicated.

"It gives me a lot more liberty. Because sometimes it's a bit of a conundrum. As General Secretary, you are CEO in charge of the party. Effectively, when it comes to party government, you really are holding that interface," he said.

He said the arrangement could create competing expectations, particularly because ministers are part of the government whose relationship with the party he helps manage.

Mr Kwetey said his current position allowed him to comment on issues without worrying about whether his views would upset officials in government or at the Presidency.

"So as it is for me, it's a comfortable position to be able to speak to any issue without having to look over my shoulder. Is somebody happy in government? Is somebody happy at the presidency? It's not my consideration. I do what I believe to be right for party, and it's fine," he said.

Mr Kwetey's comments come as the NDC prepares for its internal leadership elections in December 2026, in which he is seeking another term as General Secretary.

He is expected to face competition from Stephen Blanco in the contest.