The race to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into the 2028 general elections is a close contest. A new poll by GlobalInfo Analytics shows the party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, tied at 31 percent. This indicates they are the preferred choices among voters to lead the NDC in 2028. The survey, released on July 27, 2026, highlights the competitive internal landscape of Ghana's primary opposition party.
This is not the first time a survey has suggested a tight race between these two prominent figures. The poll also revealed other potential candidates' support levels. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu garnered 15 percent, while Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang received 9 percent. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah polled 8 percent, with Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku and Prof. Joshua Alabi each recording 2 percent. These figures underscore the concentration of support around Nketia and Forson.
This internal competition within the NDC is crucial for Ghana's broader political and economic narrative. A strong and unified opposition is vital for democratic accountability and policy debate. The outcome of this leadership contest will significantly influence the party's strategy and messaging leading up to the 2028 elections. It could also shape future economic policies, depending on which candidate ultimately leads the party. The NDC's performance in 2028 will impact investor confidence and the overall stability of Ghana's financial markets.
The GlobalInfo Analytics survey also projected potential outcomes for the 2028 presidential election. In a hypothetical contest, Dr. Ato Forson emerged as the frontrunner. If he were to contest against former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Alan Kyeremanten, and Nana Kwame Bediako, Dr. Forson would secure 57.5 percent of the votes. Dr. Bawumia would obtain 35.3 percent, followed by Kennedy Agyapong with 4.3 percent, Nana Kwame Bediako with 0.6 percent, and Alan Kyeremanten with 0.5 percent. Other candidates accounted for 1.8 percent.
In an alternative scenario, where Johnson Asiedu Nketia replaces Dr. Ato Forson as the NDC candidate, the poll showed Nketia leading with 54.2 percent. Dr. Bawumia would receive 37.1 percent. Kennedy Agyapong, Alan Kyeremanten, and Nana Kwame Bediako would poll 4.8 percent, 1.0 percent, and 0.8 percent respectively. Other candidates accounted for 2.1 percent. These projections suggest that both leading NDC figures could pose a significant challenge in the general election.
The GlobalInfo Analytics survey was conducted through telephone interviews between July 15 and 24, 2026. It involved 7,761 voters across all 16 regions of Ghana. The poll, which forms part of a longitudinal study, has a confidence level of 99 percent and a margin of error of plus or minus 1.5 percent. This robust methodology lends credibility to the findings, providing a clear snapshot of voter sentiment.
The implications of this poll are significant for the NDC and Ghana's political landscape. The close contest between Nketia and Forson suggests a need for strategic unity within the party. Decision-makers will closely watch how the party navigates this leadership challenge. The market and investors will also monitor the stability and direction of the NDC, as it represents a potential future government. The party's ability to present a cohesive front will be crucial for its electoral success in 2028.
The economic policies proposed by the eventual NDC flagbearer will be scrutinised by businesses and international partners. Any shifts in economic philosophy could impact Ghana's fiscal outlook, debt management, and investment climate. The ongoing internal dynamics within the NDC will therefore have far-reaching consequences beyond mere political positioning, influencing the nation's economic trajectory.