By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Tension is building up within the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the ‘Thank You Tour’ embarked upon by the National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah, to the Eastern Region.
Asiedu Nketiah launched a three-day “Thank-You Tour” in the Eastern Region from September 17 to 19, 2025, covering 16 constituencies.
Officially, this is to show appreciation to party executives, grassroots organizers, and others who helped secure the party’s victory in the 2024 general election.
However, concerns have been raised by several people, including leading party members, the presidency, and political analysts, who say the move could affect party unity and cohesion ahead of the 2028 general election.
Former Member of Parliament for the Kunbungu Constituency, Ras Mubarak, argued that the tour appears politically motivated, suggesting it looks more like a vehicle for Asiedu-Nketiah to build his personal profile ahead of future contests rather than purely an exercise in gratitude.
He suggests the action by the National Chairman may “distract the government from pressing responsibilities” and that those holding positions in the government should focus on delivering on election promises, governance, and meeting public expectations rather than early campaigning.
There is reportedly discomfort at the Presidency or among senior government officials who believe the priority should be governance and delivering on promises rather than internal positioning and party activities.
Dr. Tony Aidoo, a leading member of the party and former ambassador to the Netherlands, has said that the party’s future and that of any prospective presidential candidate will largely depend on the performance of the John Dramani Mahama administration and added he is not interested in being alive to see what lies ahead of the party during its presidential primary.
“Whoever plans to succeed Mahama will find that such depends on the outcome of his administration. It does well; people will be attracted to the party, and that will create the momentum on which a potential successor can build,” said Dr. Aidoo.
He added, “But I do not know. I do not want to be here. Maybe by the time it comes to that point, I will be gone. I am old; God has been good to me. But I do not mind if he takes me today.”
Many critics see the tour as less of a gratitude exercise and more of an early move toward the 2028 presidential race. There’s suspicion that by touring under the NDC banner and engaging grassroots structures, Asiedu Nketiah may be trying to gain visibility and build support ahead of contest(s) for the flagbearer role.
Some argue it’s unnecessary given that President Mahama and the party already did a “Thank You Tour” nationwide in July 2025. So doing another now is seen by some insiders as politically motivated rather than purely appreciative.
Political scientist Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante and others have warned that if such tours are not managed carefully, they could create cracks within the party, as members may feel overlooked, sidelined, or suspicious of motives.
There are also expectations (or pressure) among party members in those regions that participating in or being visible during the tour should lead to government appointments or other roles. Uneven distribution or perceived favoritism could lead to dissatisfaction.
However, Asiedu-Nketiah insists the tour is not about a presidential campaign but about recognizing the efforts of party people at the grassroots, especially in constituencies won in Parliament.
He has also appealed to party members to remain patient and united, especially those who are yet to get appointments. He seems to acknowledge the concerns about internal expectations.
Analysts have argued if perceptions of unfairness or early campaign posturing persist, this could lead to factional tensions, grievances, and even defections.
The tour could strengthen Asiedu Nketiah’s profile at the grassroots and among executive structures, which might matter in the 2028 flagbearer contest.
If too much internal wrangling becomes public, or if the tour is seen as self-serving, it can erode public confidence or distract from governance matters.
There seems to be some friction or at least misalignment on priorities; this needs careful navigation to avoid undermining unity. End item
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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