The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, says he is leaving the party in a stronger position than he found it when he assumed office in December 2022.
He attributed this to the work of his leadership team, describing the retention of several key national executives as evidence that they had successfully discharged their responsibilities.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on Friday, November 13, Mr Asiedu Nketia said he was particularly pleased that some experienced members of the party’s national leadership had retained their positions.
“I’m happy that even at the national level, this is about the first time that we are retaining key people in their positions. It is a recognition that this team has done what is expected of us,” he said.
Reflecting on his election at the NDC’s 2022 National Delegates Congress at the Accra Sports Stadium, he recalled the commitment he made to lead the party through what he described as a challenging political period.
According to him, his team faced a government determined to retain power, with significant financial resources and control over the state’s security apparatus.
“When we were elected at the sports stadium, I gave a commitment on behalf of my team that we are in to fight a very difficult battle because we had a government that was unyielding and was prepared to use money, prepared to use the coercive forces of state, and so on,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Mr Asiedu Nketia said his team remained determined, arguing that the collective resolve of citizens seeking change was more powerful than the resources available to those in government.
“I did say that the most powerful army in the world cannot defeat people who are determined to change their circumstances for the better,” he stated.
He added that he had confidence in the team he worked with and was satisfied that their collective efforts had contributed to the NDC’s return to power.
A handover he says he is proud of
The outgoing chairman said his greatest achievement was not limited to the party’s electoral success but also included improvements to its organisational structures and headquarters.
He maintained that one of his key objectives had been to leave the party’s infrastructure and administrative systems in better condition than he inherited them.
“My satisfaction is that I’m leaving the NDC headquarters better than how I came to meet it. And that is what gives me my satisfaction,” he said.
Mr Asiedu Nketia was elected National Chairman in December 2022 after defeating the incumbent, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, at the party’s 10th National Delegates Congress.
Before his election, he had served as the NDC’s General Secretary for 17 years.
He has opted not to seek another term as National Chairman, bringing his tenure to a close as the party prepares to elect new national executives at its December 19, 2026, delegates congress.
The ongoing executive election process has already seen some incumbent executives secure uncontested positions. They include General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, National Organiser Joseph Yammin and Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn, who have emerged without challengers following the vetting process.
The December congress is expected to produce a new national leadership team to steer the NDC through its next phase of political activities.
