A recent survey conducted by Professor Smart Sarpong and Feedback Africa has revealed that Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is the leading potential contender to be the party's flagbearer. The survey assessed the attributes delegates consider important in the impending flagbearer race. Asiedu Nketia scored 24.5% in terms of uniting the party, followed by Eric Opoku with 20.4%. The survey involved 9,330 respondents from 11 regions.
The survey, known as the Political Environment Assessment Survey, evaluated delegates' views on key attributes of a potential flagbearer. The attributes considered included the ability to unite the party and suitability for leadership. Professor Sarpong cautioned that the figures should not be interpreted as a prediction of who would eventually win the NDC flagbearer race. He explained that the survey aimed to assess delegates' views on key attributes of a potential flagbearer.
Asiedu Nketia again recorded the highest score for suitability for leadership, with 27.6%, narrowly ahead of Eric Opoku, who obtained 26.4%. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson followed with 16.1%, while Haruna Iddrisu recorded 10.4%. Professor Sarpong noted that the findings showed that the race was still developing, with some potential aspirants yet to openly declare their intentions.
The survey involved 9,330 respondents from 11 regions, comprising 5,580 stakeholders and 3,750 NDC delegates. Stakeholders included clergy, assembly members, teachers, health workers, police officers, youth association leaders, and other influential persons. Their views could provide an indication of sentiment at the constituency level.
The exercise was conducted between September 10 and 20, 2026, to capture recent developments in the emerging flagbearer debate. Professor Sarpong observed that Asiedu Nketia appeared to have "peaked" in the current assessment, while Eric Opoku was gradually gaining ground. Geographical considerations could also influence delegates' choices if the contest became closely contested.
Beyond the NDC contest, the survey found Ghana's overall political environment to be relatively calm. 52.1% of respondents described it as calm, 35.3% as somewhat calm, and 12.6% as not calm. Unemployment and lack of job opportunities emerged as the most urgent concerns confronting constituencies, accounting for 40.4% of responses.
Professor Sarpong said the findings should serve as a guide for political leaders and local authorities to respond more directly to the needs of citizens. The survey also identified poor road infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, potable water, and security as major concerns. The results could help address the concerns of citizens and improve the overall political environment in Ghana.
Key points
- Johnson Asiedu Nketia leads in the NDC flagbearer attribute survey
- The survey assessed delegates' views on key attributes of a potential flagbearer
- Ghana's overall political environment is relatively calm, with unemployment and job opportunities being major concerns
