'Let's stay focused and forget about NPP naysayers' — Benjamin Quashie to NDC

The Chair of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders in South Africa, Mr. Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has urged President John Dramani Mahama and the ruling party not to be distracted by what he described as the "micro Minority" New Patriotic Party (NPP), but rather to remain focused on delivering the mandate given to them by the people.

Mr. Quashie expressed strong confidence in the direction the country is taking under NDC leadership, saying public sentiment confirms the party’s positive momentum. "The NDC is doing far better, and everybody in Ghana believes we are heading in the right direction. We should stay focused and forget about the naysayers," he cautioned.

He further asserted that the NDC is in a strong position to defeat the NPP in any future election, drawing from the opposition’s poor showing in the 2024 polls and the current approval ratings favouring the governing party. "I have said that anytime, any day, and in any election held between the NPP with Dr. Bawumia as their candidate, and the NDC, we would beat them hands down," he stressed.

Speaking via Zoom on Joy News' ‘UpFront’ programme on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, during a discussion on the Global InfoAnalytics Post Election Outlook, Mr. Quashie also weighed in on the future of NDC leadership after President Mahama. While acknowledging that it's too early for such discussions, he advised the party to remain committed to governance and delivering on their promises.

He addressed speculation over the next potential flagbearer, particularly the growing popularity of the current Vice President, emphasizing her groundbreaking achievements. Quashie said her history as both the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and first female Vice President of Ghana could position her favourably for leadership. However, he was clear that this is not yet a matter for internal debate.

"He has still not completed forming his government. The party should not engage in such discussions but rather rally behind President Mahama to succeed," he underscored.

Mr. Quashie added that conversations about who leads the party after Mahama should be left to political observers and not distract current officeholders. He noted other names being floated for future leadership roles, including Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and NDC Chairman John Asiedu Nketia.

Reflecting on how these individuals might fare against Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP in a general election, Quashie maintained that any of them would secure a win, citing lessons from the previous election.