Johnson Asiedu Nketia, is a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics. He was born on December 24th, 1956 at Seikwa in the Bono Region. He is the fifth of nine children. His father, Nana Kwaku Asiedu, a farmer from the Oyoko Royal family, his mother, Madam Hagar Akosua Afrah, also a royal of the Akwamu Royal family.
Asiedu Nketia began his education at Seikwa Presbyterian Primary School and later trained as a teacher at St. Joseph’s College of Education in Bechem from 1974 to 1978. After graduating as a teacher, he worked at Seketia Presby Primary School before pursuing higher education at the University of Ghana Business School, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (Banking and Finance) in 1986. He also obtained a Master of Science Degree in Defense and International Politics from the Ghana Armed Forces Command College in 2019.
Career Before Politics
Before entering politics, Asiedu Nketia had a successful career in banking and finance. He worked with GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited and served as a manager for two rural banks: Nkoraman Rural Bank and Sehwi Asawinso Rural Bank.
Additionally, he was employed as an investment analyst at the National Trust Holding Company Limited (NTHC), where he gained significant experience in stock brokerage and investment analysis.
Political Career
Asiedu Nketia’s political journey began in 1989 when he was elected as an assembly member for the Wenchi District Assembly. His political influence grew when he was elected to represent the Wenchi West constituency in Parliament during the 1992 general elections, marking his entry into national politics. He served as an MP for twelve years until 2004.
During his tenure in Parliament, Asiedu Nketia held various positions on important committees such as the Appointments Committee, Finance Committee, Public Accounts Committee, and chaired the Mines and Energy Committee. He also served as Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture (Crops) under President Jerry John Rawlings from 1997 to 2001.
In December 2005, he became the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after winning approximately 80% of the votes against other candidates. His leadership saw him re-elected multiple times: first in January 2010 with 93% of votes and again in 2014. Under his guidance, the NDC regained power during the 2008 elections, leading to Prof. John Atta Mills’ presidency.
Recent Developments
In December 2022, Asiedu Nketia transitioned from General Secretary to National Chairman of the NDC after winning decisively against former Chairman Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo. His leadership continues to shape party strategies ahead of upcoming elections.
Asiedu Nketia has been vocal about electoral integrity and has participated actively in discussions regarding voter registration systems through platforms like Ghana’s Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC). He has expressed concerns over declining effectiveness within IPAC due to reduced government support since 2000
Credit: Mc Anankwah Prempeh (Friends of Johnson Asiedu Nketiah)
