General Mosquito promised to ‘annihilate’ NPP – Dafeamekpor reveals details of earlier tour

Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has dismissed suggestions that the ongoing nationwide tour by Johnson Asiedu Nketia is an early campaign strategy for the National Democratic Congress presidential flagbearer race.

Speaking on PM Express on Tuesday, the South Dayi legislator said the NDC chairman’s constituency visits started long before current political speculations emerged.

According to Mr Dafeamekpor, the outreach exercise began around April 2025 shortly after President John Dramani Mahama completed ministerial appointments and regional thank-you tours following the party’s 2024 election victory.

“What I do know is that he’s been doing this tour from about April 2025, just when John Mahama finished with the appointment of ministers and did the regional tours,” he said.

He explained that concerns were raised during a National Executive Committee meeting that although President Mahama had engaged supporters after the elections, the party leadership itself had not sufficiently connected with grassroots members.

“They said the party ought to come to the grounds to come and show gratitude, because they fought hard, we’ve been in opposition for eight years,” he stated.

Mr Dafeamekpor insisted that the nationwide tour should not automatically be interpreted as a presidential ambition or early campaign move by Mr Asiedu Nketia.

“I don’t know. I speak to the party chairman often, even today we spoke, but I haven’t had the opportunity to ask him about this,” he added.

According to him, the scale of the exercise and the logistical demands involved explain why the tour has continued for several months.

“He had been doing this for the past year. You know, logistical mobilisation to visit these constituencies is no joke. So he’s been doing it methodically,” he explained.

Political discussions have intensified in recent months over possible future leadership contests within the NDC, despite the party’s current focus on governance following its return to power.

Some observers have speculated that the extensive constituency engagements by senior party figures could eventually shape future internal leadership dynamics.

However, Mr Dafeamekpor maintained that the chairman’s engagements are primarily aimed at appreciating party supporters and strengthening grassroots unity after years in opposition.

Analysts say internal party mobilisation and constituency engagement remain important strategies for maintaining support and organisational cohesion within Ghana’s major political parties.

The NDC leadership has in recent months intensified interactions with regional and constituency structures as part of efforts to consolidate support and strengthen party organisation nationwide.

Observers believe the party’s continued grassroots engagement could also play a key role in sustaining political momentum ahead of future electoral cycles.