Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued stern warnings and made significant calls regarding Ghana's local governance structure and the Electoral Commission (EC).

Regarding local governance, Asiedu Nketia has strongly cautioned against proposals for political parties to formally sponsor candidates in elections for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). He described such a move as both "dangerous and counterproductive," arguing that while political actors will naturally support individuals aligned with their ideology, formal sponsorship would erode the neutrality essential for local governance and deepen partisanship at the community level. He stressed that individuals currently contest on their own merit, even if affiliated with a party, and that forcing formal party sponsorship would incur costs and compel MMDCEs to prioritize partisan interests over the needs of the entire community. This, he believes, would have significant negative consequences. He maintained that wishing for a like-minded candidate to win is distinct from a party funding and owning the electoral process.

Furthermore, Asiedu Nketia has criticized the current system of appointing District Chief Executives (DCEs) as "flawed" and "politically dangerous." He highlighted the internal party discontent and division that arise when choosing a single individual from dozens of loyal party members for one position, leading to quiet resentment and weakened party cohesion. He advocated for open, competitive elections for MMDCEs as a means to eliminate this "political minefield," defuse internal tensions, and restore legitimacy to local governance. He confirmed that the NDC still supports the broader push for MMDCEs to be elected on a non-partisan basis, a stance previously backed by civil society and the party itself. While acknowledging a loss of steam in the broader conversation, he noted that former President Mahama supports the idea, leaving the final recommendations to the Constitutional Review Committee. Nketia also expressed that he would not miss the power of appointing MMDCEs, believing it is "better for all of us if we don’t hold on to this power."

In a scathing attack on the Electoral Commission, Asiedu Nketia declared its entire leadership, including Jean Mensa, "unfit for purpose" and called for their immediate removal and a "complete reset" of the institution. He insisted that the EC, as presently constituted, has repeatedly failed in its core duty of managing credible elections. He cited a worrying pattern of electoral mismanagement and negligence, pointing to the unresolved parliamentary seat in Ablekuma North, which remained vacant for six months after the 2024 elections, as a symbol of systemic failure. He also referenced the disenfranchisement of the SALL constituency during the 2020 general elections and issues during the Ayawaso West by-election, stating that the commission has never delivered a satisfactory election since taking office. According to Nketia, Ghana's laws do not anticipate electoral stalemates unless officials neglect their duties, making the current situation a clear case of "negligence or inability to perform its functions." He warned that maintaining the current leadership undermines the country’s democratic credibility, emphasizing that a "resetting the EC means bringing it back to an institution that is fit for purpose."

Beyond these critical institutional reforms, Johnson Asiedu Nketia has also reflected on his own political future. He has left the door open for a potential flagbearer bid while concurrently warning against early campaigning. He believes premature declarations could divert attention from the party's current governing responsibilities. He emphasized that while ambition drives politics, discipline sustains governments, urging party unity as the NDC implements its agenda. His comments signal a balancing act between long-term political aspirations and immediate governance demands.