By Issah Olegor
A quiet but defeaning political rift is unfolding within the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), as President John Dramani Mahama is reportedly sidelining key allies of party chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah in recent political appointments — a move many see as a strategic effort to weaken internal competition ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
According to credible party insiders, Mahama’s inner circle has systematically excluded individuals loyal to Asiedu Nketiah from ministerial and chief executive officer appointments.
The only notable exception has been the appointment of Asiedu Nketiah’s son, Kweku Asiedu Nketiah, as Deputy CEO of the cash soaked Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), the Minister for Local Government, Ahmed Ibrahim and a few others as a gesture widely interpreted as symbolic rather than substantial.
This development has sparked internal unrest, with several aggrieved party executives and grassroots members reportedly confronting the Chairman at his office and residence, demanding clarity on why their expectations have been unmet despite their campaign efforts during the 2024 elections.
Tension Over Flagbearership
The heart of the conflict appears to lie in the looming succession battle within the NDC.
With Mahama constitutionally barred from seeking another term after 2028, attention is already shifting to who will lead the party into the next election. Asiedu Nketiah — popularly known as “General Mosquito” — is believed to be preparing to contest for the NDC flagbearership, a campaign he informally began ahead of the 2024 polls.
Standing in his way is Julius Debrah, Mahama’s powerful Chief of Staff, who is also seen as a likely presidential contender.
Political observers believe Mahama is throwing his weight behind Debrah, and that the current snubbing of Asiedu Nketiah’s loyalists in government appointments is part of a larger power play to diminish the Chairman’s influence in shaping the party’s future.
Recently, it was reported that sources within the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC) have confirmed that Asiedu Nketiah formally lodged a complaint with the party’s Council of Elders.
An emergency meeting involving top party figures, including the Speaker of Parliament, is reportedly being convened to defuse the growing tensions and prevent further factionalism.
But Asiedu Nketiah later denied such an incident occurred.
Public Frustration
The Chairman’s frustration is not only tied to the sidelining of his allies. He previously came under pressure from party supporters and aspiring appointees who besieged his home and offices with CVs in hopes of being considered for positions.
In a rare radio interview on Radio Gold, Asiedu Nketiah addressed the issue, urging patience and restraint.
Despite the growing tension, Asiedu Nketiah has publicly called for unity. On April 15, 2025, he cautioned all party members — including those eyeing the 2028 presidential ticket — to focus on delivering on the party’s mandate rather than prematurely campaigning.
Speaking on Accra 100.5 FM, he said, “Any distraction from that mission will hurt not just our performance but also our chances in 2028.”
He added, “The essence of becoming a flagbearer means little if the party fails in government.”
Recent polling data from Global InfoAnalytics, however, suggests that Asiedu Nketiah is struggling to gain momentum in the party’s succession race.
He currently polls at just 10% — placing him behind Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang (26%), Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu (19%), and Minister of Finance Dr. Ato Forson (12%). He is tied in fourth place with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
This lag in support has heightened the urgency among Asiedu Nketiah’s supporters, many of whom see political appointments as critical for bolstering his base and influence.
