Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, confirmed that he will not seek a second term, citing a strengthened party structure and a successful return to government as his main achievements. He said he is leaving the NDC in a stronger position than when he assumed office in December 2022.
Speaking to JoyNews on Friday, November 13, Asiedu Nketia praised the retention of key members in the party’s national leadership as evidence that the team had delivered on its mandate. He expressed satisfaction with the work done during his tenure and highlighted the importance of experienced hands in key positions.
"I’m happy that even at the national level, this is 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 as chairman at the 2022 National Delegates Congress held at Accra Sports Stadium, Asiedu Nketia recalled the commitment he made to lead the NDC through a difficult political period. He described the government’s determination to hold on to power, backed by financial and state security resources, as a significant challenge.
"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 these challenges, the chairman insisted that determination among party members 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 added.
He also highlighted his confidence in his colleagues and his satisfaction that their efforts had helped the party return to government. His greatest satisfaction, he noted, was not merely the political gains but the state of the party’s organisation at the end of his tenure.
"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.
Asiedu Nketia, who was elected NDC National Chairman in December 2022 after defeating incumbent Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, will hand over the reins as the party prepares to elect new national executives at its December 19, 2026, delegates congress. The ongoing executive election process has already produced some uncontested positions, with incumbent General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, National Organiser Joseph Yammin and Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn running unopposed after vetting.
The congress will determine the next team to lead the NDC as it prepares for the next phase of its political activities. Asiedu Nketia’s departure marks the end of a four‑year tenure that he says has positioned the party for future success.
