Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, national chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC )is widely regarded as a skilled political strategist in Ghana.
As the General Secretary of the NDC, he orchestrated the party’s return to power through the 2008 general election after a period of eight years in opposition and has recently played a crucial role in its resurgence in 2024, also after eight years in opposition.
His impressive track record has prompted significant attention to his current initiative, a “Thank You Tour,” which is stirring debate within the Ghanaian political circles.
The tour commenced in the Eastern Region between 17 and 19 September 2025, spanning 16 constituencies.
Officially, it is presented as an exercise in appreciation.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah has explained that, having led the party’s parliamentary mobilisation during the 2024 campaign, it is only fitting that he returned to these constituencies to thank local executives and grassroots activists whose efforts secured the party’s victories.
His public remarks have emphasised gratitude and recognition rather than personal ambition.
Nonetheless, sections of the media have characterised the initiative as a veiled launch of Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s “2028 presidential campaign”.
Described as the opening phase of a broader national programme intended to cover all 16 regions, the tour’s nationwide scope significantly alters public perceptions and intensifies the controversy surrounding it.
Acts of gratitude/criticisms
Supporters within the NDC have defended the tour.
Wonder Victor Kutor, a member of the NDC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), asserts that the tours are simply acts of gratitude, dismissing allegations of misuse of state resources.
He contends that Mr Asiedu Nketiah can fund the journeys privately and that he is honouring a prior commitment to return to the constituencies post-campaign.
Proponents argue the tours have a practical purpose: they boost morale, strengthen local connections, and reaffirm that activists’ hard work is appreciated.
Conversely, some critics view the initiative with suspicion.
Former Kumbungu MP Ras Mubarak labelled it “unnecessary,” cautioning that it risks undermining President John Mahama’s authority just when unity is paramount for delivering on his new mandate.
Mubarak points out that thank you tours are traditionally the realm of presidential or parliamentary candidates, not the independent purview of a national chairman.
He fears that such actions could blur the lines between party organisation and personal ambition.
Additionally, some youth activists have raised concerns that the tour, while ostensibly about gratitude, may actually serve as a stealthy effort to enhance visibility ahead of a potential presidential bid in 2028.
This critique is further complicated by the context of precedent.
Earlier in the year, President Mahama undertook his own formal thank-you tour after his election victory, which was clearly framed as the expression of gratitude from the leader of the party and the nation, aimed at solidifying his authority.
In contrast, Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s parallel tour appears unconventional and somewhat self-serving.
Had the initiative been framed as part of an official NEC-led project, with prominent participation from the general secretary, president, vice-president, and other senior figures, it could have been perceived as an organisational consolidation effort. Instead, the current chairman-led approach, with minimal involvement from top leaders, gives the impression of a personal agenda.
Visibility
The prospect of continuing the tour into the remaining 15 regions only amplifies these concerns.
In Ghana’s delegate-based political system, nationwide visibility is a valuable asset; face-to-face engagement with constituency executives and grassroots members translates directly into political capital when internal contests arise.
Observers naturally question whether Mr Asiedu Nketiah’s trips are solely about expressing gratitude or if they are also laying groundwork for future political ambitions.
This ambiguity renders the tour particularly sensitive.
Nonetheless, it would be imprudent to overlook the positive aspects of the initiative.
Recognising the contributions of activists can genuinely reinforce morale, strengthen party bonds, and ensure that grassroots supporters are aware their dedication has not gone unnoticed.
Political organisation relies not only on policy, but also on relationships and recognition.
The challenge lies in presenting the act of gratitude appropriately, managing it wisely, and coordinating it sufficiently.
The question is, “If this is a party initiative, why are the other national officers missing?”
Clarity
So, what steps should be taken moving forward? Clarity is essential.
If the tour is indeed meant to be a party initiative, the NEC should formally frame it as such, ensuring visible participation from other senior leaders. Furthermore, transparency regarding funding sources is crucial to dispel doubts about potential state sponsorship.
In conclusion, the ongoing “Thank You Tour” led by Asiedu Nketiah encapsulates the complexities of modern Ghanaian politics.
While the initiative may initially appear as a simple gesture of appreciation, its implications stretch far beyond that.
Balancing gratitude with the political landscape requires careful navigation to maintain party unity and public trust.
As this tour unfolds, it will be vital for all involved to ensure that democracy continues to thrive, grounded in sincere recognition and collective effort.
The writer is a Political Scientist
This, according to the minister, marks the 10th visa waiver agreement secured for Ghanaians since the current Foreign Minister assumed office.
“The Mahama Administration is deliberate about adding more value to the Ghanaian Passport, projecting our image in the comity of nations and enhancing the travel experience of Ghanaians as we boost trade, tourism, and in this particular instance connect us to our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean,” Ablakwa noted.
5. Mini Braids or Plaits 
