Ghana needs fixed campaign periods to reduce election distractions – Asiedu Nketia

National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has advocated for the implementation of a cut-off period for political campaigning in Ghana. Drawing on his experience as an election observer in Denmark, Asiedu Nketia proposed a model where campaigning is confined to a designated timeframe before elections, enabling governments to concentrate on governance during the remainder of their term.

"One thing I hold dearly which I am going to try to push is that this nation needs a cut-off period for campaigning, starting of campaigning, and closing of campaigning," he stated. Reflecting on his observations in Denmark, where campaigning is strictly regulated, Asiedu Nketia mentioned that there, campaigning is restricted to a period of three months.

Prior to this window, political activity is prohibited. Upon election declaration, parties are granted only three days to dismantle all campaign materials; failure to do so results in surcharges from city authorities. Asiedu Nketia emphasized that this approach would free up three years and nine months for effective governance, reducing campaign-related distractions.

With the national chairmanship elections anticipated in approximately four months and presidential primaries more than a year away, the NDC leader questioned the necessity of premature campaigning and expressed concern over anxiety surrounding leadership intentions.