Speaking on JoyNews AM show on February 16, he said, “In politics, three years is too long a distance for you to predict that, oh, this is going to happen in three years. You’re not being realistic, if I should be blunt, because in politics, one week could even change anything.”

Kyei-Mensah Bonsu cited the example of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to illustrate the unpredictability of elections.

“I remember President Carter in the U.S. The opinion poll suggested a month before his election that he was leading by 60 percent. He was leading his opponent by 60 percent.

As the weeks and the days passed, his overwhelming margin of victory started declining. People started knowing him better. He had been a governor of Georgia. Yet the polls continued to indicate that his percentage of the margin of victory was declining.”

He continued: “To the extent that when the final week came, it declined to 52 percent. In the final days, Jimmy Carter won. He won by just, I think, 1.2 percent.”

Reflecting on the lessons for Ghana, Kyei-Mensah Bonsu warned, “Three years is too long a distance for any pollster of any sort to say that I predicted. That is not polling. That is prophecy. And I don’t believe in these prophecies anyway.”

His comments come amid growing speculation about the 2028 election.

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Delegates across the country are casting their ballots in what has been described as one of the party’s most crucial internal elections since its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

Five aspirants are contesting the race: former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong; former Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum; former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong; and businessman Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

About 211,000 delegates drawn from NPP constituencies nationwide are expected to vote at more than 300 designated polling centres across the country.

The primary follows months of intense campaigning, policy engagements and nationwide tours by the aspirants, significantly boosting interest among delegates.

Earlier this month, all five contenders signed a peace pact, pledging to accept the outcome of the primary and work together to maintain party unity.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr Dankwah explained that polls simply confirm what voters are already expressing and help bring clarity and certainty to the political space.

According to him, some aspirants continue to nurture political ambitions despite having little or no chance of winning, often spending huge sums of money before eventually confronting the reality on the ground.

“Polls don’t help any candidate to win elections. They only show where the people are. If politicians know early that the people are not with them, they won’t waste millions chasing an impossible ambition,” he said.

Mr Dankwah argued that opposition to opinion polls usually comes from politicians and their allies, especially when survey results do not favour them.

He added that credible polling plays an important role in guiding public discourse and promoting transparency, stressing that genuine pollsters will continue to uphold professional standards despite attempts to discredit their work.

According to him, with time, the public will be able to distinguish between credible polls and those allegedly commissioned to advance political agendas.

“The only individuals who tend to be against polls are politicians and their allies, particularly those who do not receive favourable results. I am committed to taking the necessary time to demonstrate who the genuine pollsters are.

“In the past, there have been instances where politicians have paid people to promote their agendas, which is why some believe this approach is effective. We will do what is right, regardless of the circumstances, and I believe others will ultimately be compelled to follow suit,” he added.

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• Negative video on Bawumia hits Kennedy Agyapong’s ratings – Mussa Dankwah

According to him, the enthusiasm on the ground suggests the party needs a youthful, charismatic and dynamic candidate to secure victory in the 2028 general elections.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Mr. Ansah Opoku said Dr. Acheampong’s extensive nationwide engagement demonstrates his preparedness to lead the party and unite the country.

“Bryan has visited all the constituencies in this country. That shows how prepared he is as a candidate to unite the country,” he stated.

He cautioned party supporters against placing too much emphasis on opinion polls.

“Let people not be swayed by the polls. Even I can generate a poll that will make Bryan lead. That is not what matters. The job is on the ground,” he said.

Mr. Ansah Opoku added that Dr. Acheampong remains accessible and deeply committed to the party, stressing that many Ghanaians are looking for a new face capable of promoting discipline and unity.

“The people need a new face that can ensure discipline and unity,” he stressed.

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In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Dankwah emphasized that Global InfoAnalytics is an independent polling organization with no political affiliation and operates without influence from any political agenda.

“We are pollsters, and whether they like it or not, they should accept it. They are not going to tell us how to do our work,” he said.

Mr. Dankwah explained that Global InfoAnalytics conducts polls for professional purposes and shares the findings with the public, regardless of any criticism.

“We are not a think tank or a pressure group; we are a company, and we are not doing anyone’s bidding. If you don’t want to listen to us, just put it in the bin,” he added.

He further defended the credibility of the firm, citing their strong track record of accurate predictions. “During the 2024 elections, they attacked us, saying I was mad and had an agenda against the NPP. But our predictions—from the regional and national levels to the constituencies—were over 90 percent accurate,” he said.

As an example, he referred to the Dome Kwabenya constituency, where critics dismissed their prediction that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) would win.

“They told us we were mad, but in the end, who won? The NDC. They should learn from this,” Mr. Dankwah remarked.

A recent post-election poll by Global InfoAnalytics revealed that 68% of respondents hold former President Nana Akufo-Addo responsible for the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.

MUSAH ON THOSE WHO DONT BELIEVE THEM

He cited the Dome Kwabenya constituency as an example, recalling how critics dismissed their prediction that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) would win the seat.

“They told us we were mad, but in the end, who won? The NDC. They should learn from this,” he added.

Meanwhile, a post-election poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics has revealed that 68% of respondents hold former President Nana Akufo-Addo responsible for the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.

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At a press conference on Sunday, December 8, the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, reassured Ghanaians that the official results of the presidential and parliamentary elections would be announced once they have been thoroughly verified.

Mrs Mensa explained that the commission is working within a 72-hour timeframe to complete the verification process.

Her remarks came after the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, called for the EC to promptly declare the results following the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, conceding defeat.

The EC Chairperson emphasized that the commission is undertaking a meticulous process to ensure accuracy and transparency in the final results.

She called on the public to remain calm and allow the EC to fulfill its constitutional duties.

“We ask that citizens exercise patience as it has only been 23 hours since the polls closed. The process is elaborate and involves the political parties’ agents and observers at each stage. We will announce the results if they are ready before the 72-hour deadline,” she stated.

She also noted that the EC currently has results from the Ahafo Region and is working on compiling results from other regions.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Monday, Mr. Botwe described their predictions as mere speculation rather than divine prophecy.

“The prophets are conjecturing about the 2024 election, which is not prophecy. If you listen carefully, you’ll realize they are expressing opinions based on what they observe, not revelations from God” he said.

He cautioned against placing undue emphasis on such predictions, urging Ghanaians to rely on practical strategies for development.

“We must focus on working hard, building a strong campaign, and engaging voters meaningfully. That is what wins elections—not conjectures masked as prophecy” he stated.

Mr. Botwe also stressed the importance of clear-headed thinking in political decision-making.

“Ghanaians are discerning, and they will not be swayed by baseless statements. Elections are won by the power of the people, through strategy and the votes we cast—not by so-called visions that lack substance.”

Reaffirming his confidence in the New Patriotic Party’s strategy, he said,

“We have a plan that is working. We are engaging our base across the country and strengthening our parliamentary candidates because winning the presidency is tied to securing a majority in Parliament. That is our focus.”

The prophets are conjecturing about the 2024 election, which is not prophecy. – DAN BOTWE
Campaign Chairman for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia#Ekosiisen#ElectionHQ#KokromotiPower pic.twitter.com/IZKYbpDtlz

— Asempa 94.7FM (@Asempa947_FM) December 2, 2024

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According to a report by Fitch Solutions, the NDC is poised to win the upcoming elections, while a final field poll by Global InfoAnalytics shows Mahama maintaining a strong lead over his closest rival, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

During his campaign tour of the North East Region on Wednesday, October 2, Mahama expressed optimism about these favourable poll results from reputable organisations.

He emphasised that the data points to a high likelihood of the NDC securing victory in the upcoming elections. However, he cautioned his supporters not to become overconfident or complacent.

Mr Mahama warned that despite the positive outlook, there is still much work to be done. He urged NDC members and supporters to remain vigilant and focused on the electoral process, particularly in the areas of voter turnout, monitoring, and ensuring transparency.

He reminded them that success in the polls does not guarantee victory without continuous efforts on the ground.

In a further critique, Mr Mahama accused the ruling NPP of fabricating fake polls to create a misleading impression that their presidential candidate, Dr Bawumia, is on course for victory. He claimed that this tactic was designed to confuse voters and dampen the morale of the National Democratic Congress.

Mr Mahama concluded by reiterating the importance of staying committed to the campaign’s objectives, ensuring that every vote counts, and defending the integrity of the electoral process to secure an NDC win in the 2024 elections.

“All the credible opinion polls have predicted that NDC is going to win the elections, and because of that NPP and the government have started publishing fake opinion polls, that have no methodology, opinion polls where you cannot find the people who did the research.”

“And so, ignore all those fake opinion polls, everything indicates and every credible institution- Economy Intelligence Unit, Fitch Solutions, Global InfoAnalytics, every proper, credible opinion poll shows that NDC will win the elections.”

“Of course, we must not be complacent, we must protect every single person’s vote. All of us are going to be polling agents.”

Source: Ernest K. Arhinful

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New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairman for Efutu constituency, Theophilus Kofi Halm, has urged delegates to vote massively for Stephen Ntim, a National Chairman aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in their upcoming election.

He advised the delegates not to be swayed by the gifts and offers from Freddie Blay because the move is disingenuous.

“Delegates should not be confused and deceived by the buses being used as bait by Freddie and stay focused because buses cannot win him votes. After all, elections are not for old men, we need young blood to work for the good of the party and not a chairman who will sit at one place and give orders and that is what Ntim won’t do” he claimed.

ALSO READ: Stop creating unnecessary tension – Osei Kyei tells Ntim

Speaking on Adom FM’s Morning Show “Dwaso Nsem” Friday at Koforidua, Mr Halm indicated that Freddie Blay’s procurement of 275 new buses for party executives in each constituency is an attempt to influence delegates who will show up to vote in the party’s upcoming national executive elections on Saturday.

Blay on Wednesday took delivery of the buses in honour of his campaign promise to get them distributed to constituencies as a way of financing their activities.

Mr Blay who is the acting chairman of the NPP is being keenly contested by Stephen Ntim who is a stalwart of the elephant family.

ALSO READ: HOT AUDIO: Freddie Blay asks NDC to emulate his 275 bus purchase move

A third candidate for the chairmanship position, Dr Amoako Baah, is often overlooked by the media and analysts watching the polls.

Touting some of the achievements of Mr Ntim, the chairman for Efutu constituency said 16 years ago, Mr Ntim single-handedly donated 14 vehicles to the party.

“Back then he identified a need and took care of it without making any promises to anyone or expecting anything in return so why should Blay use his and expect votes. He is a visitor so please vote for Ntim” he quizzed.

MORE TO READ: NPP Polls: Full list of aspirants on ballot paper

He said he wants delegates to consider Mr Ntim and vote for him due to his contribution to the party over the years.

“I urge all delegates to vote massively for Ntim. I know some people closer to Blay who will vote for Ntim. I swear just mark my words” he said.

About 600 delegates will go to the polls to elect the national executives of the NPP, who will steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.

The NEC, chaired by Most Rev. Dr. Asante Antwi, thoroughly vetted and satisfied itself that the final list of aspirants for each slot have met the qualification criteria set out by the National Executive Committee of the Party, a report by the committee said.

ALSO READ: AUDIO: Steve Ntim played no role in NPP’s 2016 victory – Bugri Naabu

The aspirants are expected to be presented to the Delegates at the National Annual Delegates Conference in Koforidua on Saturday, 7th day of July, 2018 for a decision to be taken on them through the ballot.

Meanwhile, the Committee has reminded aspirants that the rules of the game still applies and urged them to conduct their campaigns in a manner that is strictly in conformity with the rules and regulations governing the conduct of the national officers elections as well as the party’s constitution.

• Aspirants are present here in their balloted positions and in the same order, they will appear on the Notice of Poll and the Ballot Paper.

LISTEN: AUDIO: Political Analyst chides Freddie Blay for vote-buying moves

NO NAMES OF NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON ASPIRANTS
1 HON. FREDDIE WORSEMAWU BLAY
2 DR. RICHARD AMOAKO BAAH
3 STEPHEN AYESU NTIM

NAMES OF NATIONAL VICE CHAIRPERSON ASPIRANTS
1 EMMANUEL KEN-WUUD NUWORSU K.
2 RITA TALATA ASOBAYIRE
3 MICHEAL OMARI WADIE
4 VIDA AGYEKUM ACHEAMPONG
5 F.F ANTOH
6 GEORGE ISAAC AMOO
7 HON MRS AGNES .A. CHIGABATIA

NAMES OF GENERAL SECRETARY ASPIRANTS
1 JOHN BOADU
2 RICHARD AHIAGBAH

NAMES OF TREASURER ASPIRANTS
1 KWABENA ABANKWAH-YEBOAH
2 KWABENA OPPONG FRIMPONG
3 MARY POSCH-ODURO
4 HAJIA RUKA AHMEED
5 ABRAHIM OBENG AMOAKOHENE
6 NUHU BAYORBO MAHAMA

NAMES OF ORGANIZER ASPIRANTS
1 SAMMI AWUKU
2 TWENEBOA KODUA EMMANUEL
3 SULEMANA .A. SADIK NABICHEINGA

NAMES OF NATIONAL YOUTH ORGANIZER ASPIRANTS
1 HENRY NANA BOAKYE
2 KAMAL-DEEN ABDULAI
3 EMMANUEL NANA BEDIAKO .D. APPIAH
4 DOMINIC KWESI EDUAH

LISTEN: AUDIO: Stop creating unnecessary tension – Osei Kyei tells Ntim

NAMES OF NATIONAL WOMEN ORGANIZER ASPIRANT
1 KATE GYAMFUA
2 JOYCE KONOKIE ZEMPARE

NO NAMES OF NATIONAL NASARA COORDINATOR ASPIRANTS
1 ABUBAKARI SULEMANA
2 ALHAJI RASHID ADAM
3 AHMED ZARUK NUHU
4 IDDRISU ABDULAI DIPANTICHE
5 ALHAJI SHUAIBU MUSAH SHERIFF
6 BABA GADO IBRAHIM
7 ABDUL AZIZ HARUNA FUTA
8 DAUDA ABDUL RAHMAN DUODU
9 ALHAJI AMINU ABU
10 SULEMANA ALHASSAN ATAKPO
11 ABDUL-RAHMAN DIALLO
12 KAZEEM IBRAHIM
13 SALIHU YAHAYA BO
14 ALI SURAJ

Polls opened at 07:00 BST at more than 40,000 polling stations across the country, with counting starting once voting ends at 22:00 BST.

A total of 650 Westminster MPs will be elected, with about 46.9 million people registered to vote.

That is up from the last general election, in 2015, when there were 46.4 million registered voters.

Some votes have already been cast, through postal voting, which accounted for 16.4% of the total electorate at the 2015 general election.

Overall turnout in 2015, when the Conservatives won 331 out of 650 seats, was 66.4%, up from 2010.

Most polling stations are in schools, community centres and parish halls, but pubs, a launderette and a school bus have been used in the past.

A handful of seats are expected to be declared by midnight, with the final results expected on Friday afternoon.

Unusually, no local elections are taking place at the same time, so results might come through earlier than in recent general elections.

In 2015 the first seat to declare was Houghton and Sunderland South, at 22:48 BST.

To form a majority in the House of Commons one party must win 326 seats – in 2015 a Conservative majority was not confirmed until 13:34 BST.

Coverage

The weather forecast is for some rain in south-west England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales on Thursday, with south-east England remaining cloudy and dry.

Polls close at 22:00 BST, but officials say anyone in a polling station queue at this time should be able to cast their vote.

David Dimbleby will front BBC television coverage 

The BBC’s main election programme, fronted by David Dimbleby, starts at 21:55 BST, with live coverage from scores of counts.

Dimbleby, fronting his 10th election night broadcast, will be joined by Mishal Husain, Emily Maitlis, Jeremy Vine.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will have their own overnight programmes but will join Huw Edwards from 07:00 BST on 9 June.

On the radio, an overnight broadcast by BBC Radio 4 will be hosted by Jim Naughtie and Carolyn Quinn.

On BBC Radio 5 live, the overnight show will be hosted by Stephen Nolan and Emma Barnett.

Full coverage of the results as they come in will be on the BBC politics online live page and front page scorecard, with all the big breaking stories from around the country and analysis by correspondents.