A recent survey conducted by Professor Smart Sarpong, a lecturer at the Kumasi Technical University, has identified Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, as the most unifying potential flagbearer of the party. The survey, known as the Political Environment Assessment Survey, was presented at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra. It assessed the preferences of delegates for potential NDC presidential candidates, constituency needs, and voter economic sentiment.
According to the survey results, Asiedu Nketia led with 24.5 percent as the most unifying potential flagbearer. He was followed by Eric Opoku with 20.4 percent, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson with 12.5 percent, Haruna Iddrisu with 9.4 percent, Dr. Julius Debrah with 6.1 percent, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang with 5.2 percent, and Prof. Joshua Alabi with 3.6 percent. Other candidates had 2 percent.
The survey also gauged the suitability of the potential flagbearers. Asiedu Nketia again led with 27.6 percent, followed closely by Eric Opoku with 26.4 percent and Dr. Ato Forson with 26.1 percent. Haruna Iddrisu had 10.1 percent, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang 5.2 percent, Prof. Alabi 4.4 percent, and Dr. Debrah 4.1 percent.
Professor Sarpong noted that not all the names mentioned in the survey will contest the flagbearer position. However, he emphasized that the survey aimed to gauge the current sentiments among delegates. He warned that internal discontent within the party could negatively affect voter turnout in the upcoming elections.
The survey also identified the most urgent needs of constituents across the country. Unemployment and poor road infrastructure emerged as the two most pressing concerns. Professor Sarpong recommended that the party establish a committee to address conflicts and grievances ahead of the primaries to prevent internal disputes.
The survey was conducted by Feedback Africa, with Professor Sarpong serving as the lead convener. The findings were presented at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, a venue that underscores the significance of the survey's results for Ghana's political landscape.
The outcome of this survey may influence the strategies and decisions of the NDC as they approach their primaries. With unemployment and infrastructure highlighted as key concerns, the party may focus on addressing these issues in their campaign. Asiedu Nketia's lead in the survey positions him as a significant figure in the race for the NDC flagbearer position.
Key points
- Johnson Asiedu Nketia leads the NDC flagbearer race with 24.5 percent.
- The survey identified unemployment and poor road infrastructure as the most urgent needs of constituents.
- Professor Sarpong warns that internal discontent could affect voter turnout.
