Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has emerged as the strongest contender among leading figures within the governing National Democratic Congress, according to findings from the March 2026 tracking poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics.
The poll, summarized by Executive Director Mussa Dankwa, showed Dr. Ato Forson outperforming both NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu among NDC grassroots supporters across the country.
According to Mussa Dankwa, the data suggests that government appointees currently appear to enjoy stronger support among party supporters compared to senior party officials outside government.
“The summary of the NDC race, Haruna Iddrisu gives Asiedu Nketia a hot chase, but Asiedu crashes Professor Naana Opoku Agyemang, while Ato Forson crashes both Asiedu Nketia and Haruna Iddrisu among the NDC base”.
Mussa Dankwa, Executive Director for Global InfoAnalytics
Ato Forson Opens Lead Over Haruna
The poll showed Dr. Ato Forson defeating Haruna Iddrisu convincingly in a direct comparison among NDC voters nationwide. According to the results, Ato Forson secured 59 percent support while Haruna Iddrisu obtained 41 percent.
The Finance Minister reportedly led in ten regions including Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Oti, Volta, Western, and Western North. Haruna Iddrisu, however, maintained leads in Ahafo, North East, Northern, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West regions.
The findings suggest that Ato Forson currently enjoys broad support across both southern and middle belt regions while Haruna Iddrisu maintains stronger influence within parts of northern Ghana.
Political observers say the poll highlights the growing political visibility of Dr. Ato Forson following his role in managing Ghana’s economy under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
Asiedu Nketia Barely Ahead of Haruna
The survey also tested support levels between Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Haruna Iddrisu in another direct contest among NDC supporters. According to the poll, Asiedu Nketia secured 52 percent support compared to Haruna Iddrisu’s 48 percent, indicating a highly competitive race between the two senior party figures.
Although Asiedu Nketia held a narrow national advantage, regional breakdowns showed both candidates maintaining strongholds in different parts of the country. The NDC Chairman reportedly led in Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Eastern, Greater Accra, Oti, Volta, Western, and Western North regions.
Haruna Iddrisu led in Central, North East, Northern, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West regions. The results indicate that while Asiedu Nketia continues to command strong grassroots appeal within the party, Haruna Iddrisu remains a formidable figure among NDC supporters, particularly in northern Ghana.
Asiedu Nketia Dominates Prof Opoku Agyemang
In another matchup contained in the survey, Johnson Asiedu Nketia recorded a decisive lead over Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang among NDC voters. According to the findings, Asiedu Nketia obtained 59 percent support while Professor Opoku Agyemang secured 41 percent.
The NDC National Chairman reportedly led in ten regions namely Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Upper East, Western, and Western North.
Professor Opoku Agyemang led in Oti, Savannah, Upper West, and Volta regions, while the race remained tied in the North East and Northern regions. The results suggest that Asiedu Nketia continues to maintain significant grassroots strength within the party despite competition from prominent government figures.
Government Performance May Influence Support
Mussa Dankwa indicated that the poll findings may reflect positive perceptions among NDC supporters regarding the performance of President Mahama and his administration.
According to him, there could be a correlation between approval ratings for the President and support levels for government appointees tested in the poll.
“Critical analysis of the data shows the two government appointees, Ato Forson,, leading the chairman of the party Asiedu Nketia, while Asiedu Nketia is barely ahead against Haruna Iddrisu among the NDC base”.
Mussa Dankwa, Executive Director for Global InfoAnalytics
He added that researchers could further examine how support for President Mahama may be influencing internal party preferences among grassroots supporters.
“You could run a correlation analysis between JDM’s performance rating by the NDC grassroots and how the various candidates perform based on how those who approve of JDM are voting” .
Mussa Dankwa, Executive Director for Global InfoAnalytics
Internal Dynamics Drawing Attention
Political analysts say the latest tracking poll provides an early indication of shifting internal dynamics within the NDC as influential party figures continue consolidating support ahead of future political contests.
Although no official internal leadership race has been declared, observers believe the survey reflects growing interest among party supporters regarding the future direction of the NDC.
The findings are also expected to intensify discussions within political circles about the growing influence of government appointees compared to longstanding party executives.
With the Mahama administration approaching the middle phase of its current term, analysts expect future polls to attract even greater attention regarding internal party strength and grassroots popularity.
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