Executive Director of Global Info Analytics, Mussa Dankwa, has defended the relevance of early political opinion polls.

He argued that they are an essential part of democratic governance and should not be dismissed as distractions.

Speaking on ‘The Big Issues’ on May 23, 2026, Dankwa stated that polling serves as an important feedback mechanism between citizens and government.

“Polling is part and parcel of democracy and good governance. There is no other means for the people to voice their concerns or issues to government without opinion polling,” he said.

According to him, polls allow citizens to express dissatisfaction or approval without waiting for elections, while also helping governments identify areas where policies may be failing or succeeding.

“They don't have to wait for the next four years to show that consent at the ballot. It’s a feedback mechanism between the governed and the government,” he explained.

Mussa Dankwa wades into Asiedu Nketiah, Haruna Iddrisu, Muntaka controversy

Dankwa also rejected criticisms that early leadership polls within political parties create unnecessary distractions, insisting that such exercises promote transparency and strategic planning.

Using a family analogy, he argued that it is important for people to know who could potentially take over leadership positions in advance rather than waiting until a transition becomes necessary.

“It is very fair for anybody to know who might replace my father when he's gone. You don't have to wait until the father is dead before you figure out what to do,” he said.

He further noted that opinion polling is a global democratic practice, citing the United States where discussions and surveys about potential successors begin almost immediately after a president assumes office.

According to him, polls also help political aspirants assess their chances before investing heavily in campaigns.

“There are people that are pulling up certain millions only to go there and get two votes. We have saved them fortunes,” he stated.

His discussion on polling came up after an alleged subtle move by some NDC gurus including Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Minister of Finance, Ato Forsom, Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu among others to announce their interest in being the flagbearer and eventual leader of the party.

VPO/EB