Dr. Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, has pointed out that Ghana’s political landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) appears to be struggling to keep pace.
He questioned whether the NPP is “asleep” in light of current events and emphasized the urgent need for the opposition to reassess its strategy.
Meanwhile, a recent Global InfoAnalytics National Tracking Poll has sent shockwaves through the political space, revealing that 62% of voters now believe Ghana is headed in the right direction.
According to Dr. Sarpong, this is a dramatic rise from just 32% in October 2024, indicating a significant boost in public confidence under President John Mahama’s leadership.
He indicated that the findings of the poll serve as both a wake-up call for the NPP and a reality check for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the poll, Mahama enjoys a commanding 66% approval rating, with support extending across party lines.
This level of public confidence, Dr. Sarpong argued, is a clear sign that the ruling government has gained the trust of the electorate.
“President Mahama enjoys a 66% approval rating, with support from across party lines, except for a dwindling core of opposition loyalists. The ruling government has clearly gained public trust. This is obvious even to the uninformed eye by scanning social media.”
Dr. Kwame Asiedu Sarpong
However, one major exception stands out—the Ashanti Region. The poll indicates that it remains the only region where a majority still believes Ghana is on the wrong path.
Accordingly, Dr. Sarpong highlighted the pressing concerns of whether this stems from partisan loyalty, neglect of regional issues, or a deeper underlying problem.
He cautioned that failing to address this divide could have significant political consequences for the NDC in future elections.
NPP’s Declining Influence
While the ruling party consolidates its support, the opposition NPP is facing an alarming decline. Once seen as the natural alternative, the party is now losing credibility among voters.
Leadership ratings are plummeting, and the party has been unable to capitalize on economic concerns such as inflation and unemployment to win over disillusioned Ghanaians.
As such, Dr. Asiedu Sarpong argued that while economic hardships remain a major concern for voters, the NPP has struggled to capitalize on public frustration and turn it into political momentum.
Despite inflation and unemployment ranking among the top issues, the opposition has been unable to harness these grievances to its advantage. “If the NPP doesn’t wake up, it may find itself irrelevant by 2028.”
“They [the NPP] have a choice to ignore this poll as they did before the last general elections and see their fortunes dwindle further or learn from the results of ridiculing previous polls and look at this data for answers.”
Dr. Kwame Asiedu Sarpong
Despite the government’s strong performance in the polls, there is one glaring vulnerability—illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Dr Sarpong argued that public dissatisfaction over environmental destruction remains high, and the government’s handling of the crisis could determine whether its current popularity endures.
Accordingly, he warned that failing to address this issue could come at a great political cost.
The CDD-Ghana Fellow emphasized that while the government may take some comfort in its current standing, this does not equate to unconditional public support.
He cautioned that the government cannot afford to overlook this pressing issue. “If the government ignores this, today’s high approval ratings could crash just as fast as they rose.”
This serves as a reminder that while voters reward good governance, they will not hesitate to withdraw their support if pressing issues remain unaddressed.
The Message Is Clear: Perform or Perish
The latest poll results reinforce one fundamental truth—governance matters. Voters are watching, and they are responding accordingly.
If the ruling NDC maintains its current trajectory of reforms and responsiveness, it will likely continue to enjoy high approval ratings. However, if it becomes complacent, public sentiment could shift just as quickly.
For the NPP, the warning signs are flashing red. The party must redefine its strategy, connect with voters on pressing issues, and present itself as a viable alternative or risk being sidelined entirely.
Dr Sarpong puts it succinctly: “The message from voters is clear: Governing well pays off. Taking voters for granted does not.”
As Ghana navigates its evolving political landscape, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the nation’s trajectory.
The opposition faces the challenge of regaining public trust and rebuilding its political influence, while the government must work to sustain its momentum through tangible results rather than mere rhetoric.
Ultimately, it will be the policies implemented, the leadership demonstrated, and the responsiveness to public concerns that determine the political fortunes of both sides.
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