Internal political tensions within Ghana's governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) pose a significant risk to the government's ability to focus on its core agenda, an expert has warned. Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, Director of the Democracy Project at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), stated this on Monday, May 25. He highlighted public friction between Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah as a prime example.
These internal succession battles and political rivalries could overshadow crucial national issues. Dr. Osae-Kwapong explained that such disputes divert attention from essential governance priorities. They risk slowing down the implementation of key government policies. The current administration, led by President John Dramani Mahama, could be hindered by this internal dynamic.
This situation fits into a larger pattern of political jostling that often emerges within governing parties. Previous NDC administrations have faced similar internal challenges. Ahead of the 2028 general election, such public disagreements can create an impression of instability. Data from CDD-Ghana shows that public discourse often focuses on party politics rather than policy outcomes.
"If it continues down this path, if the tensions continue to rise, if there is an internal battle that is going to spill over and start playing out publicly where different personalities would have to take sides, then yes, it is a worrying development," Dr. Osae-Kwapong stated. He elaborated that these internal contests can become a distraction from the everyday tasks of governing the nation.
The implications of these internal party conflicts are far-reaching. Dr. Osae-Kwapong pointed to the proposed decentralisation policy as a specific example. This important national initiative has struggled to gain sufficient public attention. Political discussions have been dominated by internal NDC wrangling over the past 48 hours. When internal disputes take centre stage, the real issues of governance and national development can get lost. Citizens will ultimately judge the government on its performance, not on internal party fights. Ministers and government appointees must prioritise delivering the president's agenda.
The potential slowdown in policy implementation across key sectors is a serious concern. Dr. Osae-Kwapong stressed that while these tensions may not collapse the government, they can be distracting enough to hinder progress. This is particularly true for initiatives like the president's agenda in the education sector. The focus needs to remain on delivering tangible outcomes for the Ghanaian people. The public will hold the ruling party accountable for its governance record in 2028.