NDC flagbearership: Mosquito, Eric Opoku lead early survey

In a recent survey of National Democratic Congress (NDC) delegates and stakeholders, two candidates from the former Brong Ahafo Region have emerged as frontrunners in the race for the party's presidential flagbearership. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, known as General Mosquito, and Eric Opoku, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, garnered the highest support in early surveys conducted by Prof Smart Sarpong and Feedblack Africa.

Asiedu Nketia received 24.5 percent of the vote for his ability to unite the NDC, while Opoku received 20.4 percent. Other notable contenders included Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, Julius Debrah, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and Prof Joshua Alabi. The survey, which covered 11 regions, 136 constituencies, and 350 communities, involved 9,330 respondents, including 3,750 NDC delegates and 5,580 other stakeholders.

The findings suggest that regional considerations may play a significant role in the contest, with Asiedu Nketia performing well in the Bono and Savannah regions, while Opoku excels in the Bono and Greater Accra regions. Both candidates are leading in terms of suitability as NDC candidates, with Asiedu Nketia at 26.7 percent and Opoku at 26.4 percent.

The survey also revealed that unemployment and lack of job opportunities are the most pressing concerns for constituents, accounting for 40.4 percent of the concerns. Other significant issues include poor road infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, potable water, security, and electricity extension.