Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has refused to rule out contesting for the flagbearership position of his party.
According to Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, he would make his intentions known when the time was right, adding that his political options remain wide open.
He argued that ambition was an essential part of politics, adding that politicians without ambition are in the wrong profession.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah stated, “Ambition is a very useful thing in politics. If you are a politician and you have no ambition, you are in the wrong profession”.
“I have told you how I would clearly declare it when the time is up for me to do so,” he said.
“How do you hide pregnancy? If you hide your intention to contest for a position, how do you campaign?” he asked.
When directly asked by the host whether he personally aspired to become President, the NDC Chairman stated, “Is the time up? That is the question I’m asking you. Wait till my time is up, and then I will let you know”.
“Sitting here, I can choose to become the next national organiser of NDC. There is no law that bars me. I can choose to become a general secretary again, and contest with my brother and very good friend Fifi Kwetey.
“I can decide to remain the national chairman, and I can decide to contest and go back to parliament. I can decide to be the presidential candidate, and so all these are options that are open.”
“There will be nothing wrong with that. You need to keep people guessing. Guessing is also part of the game.”
When pressed again on whether he was deliberately refusing to rule out a presidential bid, Asiedu Nketiah stated, “No, no, no, no, no. I have never ruled any position out in my life. I’m not ruling any position out.”]
Meanwhile, Nana Boadi Amponim Obo-dade III, the Krontihene of Akyem Asuom, has urged the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, to reconsider his alleged ambition of becoming the party’s flagbearer.
According to Nana Boadi Amponim Obo-dade III, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has become the NDC’s Abusuapanyin following the death of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
He explained that, in the Abusuapanyin position, Asiedu Nketiah must prioritise party unity rather than pursue a presidential ambition.
He warned that joining the flagbearer contest could deepen divisions and weaken the party ahead of 2028.
Speaking to journalists at his palace on December 7, 2025, the Krontihene of Akyem Asuom explained, “I sincerely hope he does not contest the flagbearership. Since President Rawlings passed on, Asiedu Nketiah has become our Abusuapanin, the family head. And when a contest begins, if the Abusuapanin is not careful and decides to compete, it can divide and destroy the family.
“He should serve as the central pillar that holds everyone together. If President John Mahama does not contest, there will be a rush for the position, and the NDC can only lose in 2028 if it allows itself to fall apart. I wish Asiedu Nketiah would be the glue that brings all the competing interests together,” he urged.
Also, Kofi Bentil, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, has showered praises on Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
According to Kofi Bentil, Asiedu Nketia is one of the smartest politicians in Ghana.
He highlighted that Asiedu Nketia’s biggest asset is that people underestimate him.
Kofi Bentil added that the NDC National Chairman is extremely smart and extremely effective.
Speaking on TV3 Keypoint, Kofi Bentil stated, “Asiedu Nketia is one of the smartest politicians this country has ever seen, and his biggest asset is that he has cast himself in such a mood that you always underestimate him and he will kill you.
He is an extremely smart guy and extremely effective; don’t use age at all; we are experiencing a bomb: the millennials, Gen Z will take over”.
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