By Issah Olegor
The race to succeed President John Dramani Mahama as the next presidential candidate of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) appears to be gaining momentum, with Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku becoming the latest senior government official to publicly express his willingness to contest the party’s flagbearership when the opportunity arises.
Opoku’s declaration comes at a time when discussions surrounding the NDC’s post-Mahama leadership have intensified despite repeated calls from party leadership and the Presidency for members to focus on governance rather than succession politics.
With President Mahama serving what is widely expected to be his final term as President under the constitutional framework, attention has increasingly shifted toward the individuals who may seek to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, the Agriculture Minister indicated that he would be prepared to contest for the NDC presidential slot should party delegates and members consider him the most suitable candidate to lead both the party and the country.
According to him, politics has always been about service, and he remains open to any opportunity that allows him to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“I am open to any good thing politics gives me. I came into politics with the commitment to serve,” he stated, emphasizing that his primary objective has never been personal ambition but rather service to the nation.
The Minister further described himself as a proven problem solver capable of tackling difficult challenges whenever called upon.
He argued that throughout his public service career, he has demonstrated an ability to find solutions to complex issues and would therefore not shy away from greater responsibilities if entrusted with them.
“I am a troubleshooter. Any problems that come my way, I am able to solve,” he said.
Opoku noted that if NDC members eventually determine that he is the best person to lead the party into the next election and subsequently govern the country, he would willingly accept that responsibility.
While acknowledging the significance of the office, he stressed that leadership should ultimately be about delivering results that positively impact the lives of citizens and leave a lasting legacy.
“If today the party members believe that I am the best person to lead the party and the country, I am willing to do so,” he stated.
He added that beyond political office, his focus remains on ensuring that his contribution to public service is remembered positively by future generations.
“The most important thing is that we do something that we will be recognised positively for in history,” he said.
His comments place him among a growing list of influential NDC figures being linked to the party’s future leadership race.
The emerging field is believed to include NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and other prominent party stalwarts who are believed to be positioning themselves for the post-Mahama era.
The latest declaration comes amid heightened sensitivity within the NDC over early succession campaigns. In recent months, President Mahama’s Executive Secretary, Callistus Mahama, publicly cautioned government appointees and party members against engaging in premature presidential campaigns.
In a widely discussed open letter titled “Before the Race Begins: A Call for Discipline, Reflection and Duty,” Dr. Callistus Mahama urged party officials to devote their energy to implementing the government’s “Reset Agenda” rather than pursuing personal political ambitions.
He warned that premature succession battles could distract the administration from its mandate and undermine public confidence in government.
The NDC Council of Elders subsequently reinforced that position by calling on all prospective aspirants and their supporters to suspend any activities that could be interpreted as early campaigning.
Party elders argued that maintaining unity and ensuring the success of the Mahama administration should remain the immediate priority of all members.
