The Presidency Is Not A Retirement Package — A Plus Fires At Asiedu Nketiah

Gomoa Central Member of Parliament Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has criticised National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah over speculation that he may contest the party’s presidential primaries ahead of the 2028 general elections. A Plus questioned whether Asiedu Nketiah’s presidential ambition was justified, citing concerns about his age, the underdevelopment of his home region and the need for measurable results from leaders seeking the country’s highest office.

In a post shared on his official Facebook page on October 22, 2026, the MP reacted to reports that Asiedu Nketiah would not seek re-election as NDC National Chairman. The development has fuelled speculation that the party chairman may be considering a presidential bid, although his decision not to seek another term as chairman does not, by itself, confirm such an ambition.

A Plus argued that Asiedu Nketiah had spent many years in politics while his home region, which he described as rich in gold, timber, fertile land and other natural resources, continued to face development challenges. He cited inadequate sanitation and hunger among children as examples of the problems he believes should be addressed before an individual seeks the presidency.

“You were in politics long before all this Dubai business began. Your own region, blessed with gold, timber, fertile soil, and enormous natural resources, continues to struggle with underdevelopment. Communities lack basic sanitation, people still shit in the bush, and children go to bed hungry. And now you want to become what? President of Ghana?”

The Gomoa Central MP also raised concerns about Asiedu Nketiah’s age, arguing that he would be 72 when a new president is inaugurated in January 2029 if he contested and won the 2028 election. He further noted that the NDC chairman could leave office at 80 if he served two four-year terms.

A Plus compared the situation to Ghana’s recent political experience under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who was 72 when he assumed office in January 2017 and left office at 80 in January 2025. He questioned whether Ghanaians should support another potential presidency with a similar age timeline and raised concerns about accountability and the consequences of poor governance.

“The presidency is not a retirement package or a reward for spending decades in politics engaging in sarcasm. It is a solemn responsibility that demands vision, leadership, accountability, and measurable results,” A Plus wrote.

He also questioned what assurances Ghanaians would have that a future administration led by Asiedu Nketiah would avoid controversies associated with the Akufo-Addo government. In making the comparison, he referenced former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who has faced legal and public scrutiny, while suggesting that a future president’s family could also face difficulties over their association with the administration. That suggestion was speculative and formed part of A Plus’s criticism.

The MP further dismissed criticism from Asiedu Nketiah’s supporters and defended his own record in Parliament, claiming that he had achieved more in less than two years in office than the NDC chairman had accomplished over his years in politics. He ended his post with provocative remarks directed at his critics, saying he would respond even more strongly when his comments angered them.

Asiedu Nketiah’s reported decision not to seek another term as NDC chairman has prompted discussion about his possible next political move. However, until he formally declares his intention, any suggestion that he plans to contest the NDC flagbearership remains speculation.

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