NDC's Fifi Kwetey: Asiedu Nketia Has Earned the Right to Run for President

National Democratic Congress (NDC) General Secretary Fifi Kwetey has publicly affirmed the right of party National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia — widely known as General Mosquito — to contest the presidency of Ghana, saying decades of dedicated service at the highest levels of the party make him more than qualified to pursue the nation's top political office.

Speaking on Joy News' PM Express on Tuesday, Kwetey was unequivocal: "It shouldn't be a problem at all. I mean, he qualifies to run for president." He went further to say that Asiedu Nketia's track record within the NDC, far from being a complication, was precisely the kind of foundation that should give any aspirant the confidence to step forward.

A Veteran of NDC Politics

Johnson Asiedu Nketia is one of the most recognisable figures in Ghanaian party politics. He served as the NDC's General Secretary for many years — a role that placed him at the operational heart of the party through multiple election cycles — before transitioning to the position of National Chairman. His nickname, General Mosquito, reflects both his longevity and his reputation as a sharp and persistent political operator.

His possible entry into the race for the NDC's presidential flagbearership would represent a significant moment in the party's internal politics, adding a heavyweight name to what is shaping up to be a competitive field. The NDC, having recently lost the 2024 general election, is in the process of reflecting on its direction and deciding who should lead it into the next electoral contest.

Kwetey Careful to Stay Neutral

Despite his warm words about Asiedu Nketia's credentials, Kwetey was careful to draw a line between acknowledging a colleague's right to contest and personally endorsing his candidacy. As General Secretary, he said, his duty is to maintain the integrity of the party's internal processes — not to put his thumb on the scale for any particular aspirant.

"For me, it's not about support; at the moment, my job for now is to ensure that the party as a vehicle remains strong and ensure that we create a fair playing field for everybody and then let the party make that determination as to where next we ought to go," he said.

He was equally firm that the final decision must come from the party's grassroots membership rather than its top brass. "It will not be my choice at all. It will be the choice of the masses. And our people are very discerning," he added.

Why It Matters for Ghana

The NDC is Ghana's principal opposition party and one of only two political organisations to have held power since the return to multiparty democracy in 1992. Who it selects as its next presidential candidate is therefore a matter of significant national consequence — the decision will shape the alternative Ghana's voters are presented with at the next general election.

Asiedu Nketia entering the flagbearer race would inject a new dynamic into the NDC's internal contest. His institutional knowledge is immense, but he would also face questions about whether the party needs a fresh face following recent electoral setbacks. Kwetey's comments suggest that, at the very least, the party's leadership will not seek to close the door on experienced figures like Asiedu Nketia in favour of newer names.

• Kwetey confirmed Asiedu Nketia is qualified to contest the NDC presidential flagbearership.
• The NDC General Secretary vowed to ensure a fair process for all aspirants.
• Asiedu Nketia has held senior NDC roles including General Secretary and National Chairman.