Sankofaonline News Commentary August 2 , 2025
In Ghana’s ever-evolving political theatre, where strategy often trumps sentiment, a recent statement by National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman ,Johnson Asiedu Nketia ,has turned heads and stirred debate. Appearing on Ambassador TV, Nketia offered what seemed like an endorsement of Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s continued role as Minority Leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). But beneath the surface, his message was anything but complimentary.
Nketia’s assertion was sharp and calculated: Afenyo-Markin, through his conduct and decisions, is inadvertently boosting the NDC’s prospects for the 2028 elections. “He now serves as a campaign manager for the NDC,” Nketia quipped, suggesting that the longer Afenyo-Markin remains in his leadership position, the more favorable the terrain becomes for the NDC. In his view, retaining Afenyo-Markin would be a strategic misstep for the NPP,one that could deliver the next election to the NDC with little resistance.
This is not mere political banter. It is a masterclass in psychological strategy. By publicly praising a rival’s leadership choice, Nketia is either exposing a genuine vulnerability or planting seeds of doubt within the NPP’s ranks. Either way, the move forces the NPP into a defensive posture, compelling them to reassess whether their internal leadership decisions are assets or liabilities.
Nketia drew a sharp contrast with the NDC’s own parliamentary reshuffle ahead of the 2024 elections, framing it as a deliberate and forward-thinking move. He criticized the NPP’s attempt to replicate this strategy, arguing that they failed to grasp the underlying rationale. In his telling, the NPP’s leadership changes were reactive and superficial, lacking the strategic depth that guided the NDC’s decisions.
The implications are clear. Leadership within Parliament is no longer just about managing legislative affairs,it is about shaping public perception, energizing the base, and positioning the party for electoral success. Afenyo-Markin, whether intentionally or not, has become a focal point in this broader contest. The NPP must now confront a difficult question: Is his leadership galvanizing their support or quietly eroding it?
Asiedu Nketia’s remarks are more than a critique; they are a provocation. They challenge the NPP to look inward, to question their assumptions, and to recognize that the battle for 2028 is already underway. It is a contest not just of manifestos and rallies, but of subtle moves and strategic foresight.
In this high-stakes game, even praise can be a weapon. And in the hands of a seasoned political tactician like Nketia, it may prove to be one of the most effective yet.
