A recent survey conducted by Prof Smart Sarpong and Feedblack Africa has revealed that General Mosquito, also known as Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and Eric Opoku, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, are currently leading in the race for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential flagbearership. The survey, which covered 11 regions, 136 constituencies, and 350 communities, involved 9,330 respondents, including 3,750 NDC delegates and 5,580 other stakeholders.
According to the survey, General Mosquito garnered 24.5 per cent on the question of who could best unite the NDC, followed by Eric Opoku with 20.4 per cent. Other potential contenders, including Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and Prof Joshua Alabi, trailed behind with significantly lower percentages. The survey also found that 16.3 per cent of respondents either declined to disclose their preference or were uncertain.
The survey, which was conducted from September 10 to 20, 2026, also identified regional considerations that could become important if the contest becomes closely fought. General Mosquito's strength was particularly evident in areas such as Bono and Savannah regions, where he was said to stand out among the other contenders. Eric Opoku, meanwhile, was reported to be doing well in the Bono and Greater Accra regions.
In terms of suitability of candidate, General Mosquito led with 26.7 per cent, narrowly ahead of Eric Opoku's 26.4 per cent. Dr Ato Forson followed with 16.1 per cent, while Haruna Iddrisu recorded 10.4 per cent. Prof Sarpong attributed some of Mr Iddrisu's weaker showing to uncertainty among delegates about whether he would eventually contest.
The survey also identified uncertainty surrounding some other potential candidates, with delegates unsure whether Dr Ato Forson, the Vice President, and some others would formally enter the race. Prof Sarpong noted that such uncertainty could affect their current numbers. The survey also found that unemployment and lack of job opportunities were the most urgent problems facing constituencies, accounting for 40.4 per cent of responses.
Beyond the flagbearership contest, the survey found that 51.2 per cent of respondents said their economic situation had remained broadly unchanged over the previous 12 months. Another 24.6 per cent said their situation had improved, while 16 per cent said it had worsened. The findings therefore showed a mixed economic sentiment, with more respondents reporting improvement than deterioration, but more than half saying they had yet to experience significant change.
Prof Sarpong cautioned that the figures were not a prediction of the eventual primary outcome, as the contest had not formally begun. He also noted that the figures represented a September snapshot and could change as potential aspirants formally declare their intentions, pick nomination forms, and begin campaigning.
Key points
- General Mosquito and Eric Opoku are leading contenders for the NDC presidential flagbearership.
- The survey identified regional considerations that could become important if the contest becomes closely fought.
- Unemployment and lack of job opportunities are the most urgent problems facing constituencies.
