Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is ahead of all seven potential National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidates tested in a new voter survey ahead of Ghana’s 2028 general elections.
The poll, conducted by Africa Policy Lens from July 27 to August 7, 2026, covered 16,963 voters across all 276 constituencies through face-to-face interviews.
Dr Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, secured between 45.7% and 49.9% in the seven hypothetical head-to-head contests.
His closest contest was against NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, where he recorded 45.8% compared with 42.4%.
He also led Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson by 45.7% to 42.8%, while Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu trailed with 41.5% against Dr Bawumia’s 45.9%.
The former Vice President recorded a stronger advantage against Chief of Staff Dr Julius Debrah, polling 48.4% compared with 37.9%. He similarly led Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang by 47.4% to 40.2%.
Dr Bawumia’s widest margin among the matchups provided was against Agric Minister Eric Opoku, with 49.8% compared with 33.9%. The survey also found that Dr Bawumia would carry between 9 and 11 of Ghana’s 16 regions in each of the 7 hypothetical contests.
Africa Policy Lens said the regional results indicate support spread across the country rather than concentrated solely in traditional NPP strongholds.
Beyond candidate preferences, the survey examined what voters consider the most important qualities in Ghana’s next President.
Honesty and integrity ranked highest, followed by the ability to create jobs and competence in managing the economy.
The researchers said the findings indicate that ethical leadership and economic management are likely to be key factors in the 2028 election.
However, Africa Policy Lens stressed that the results represent voter sentiment during the survey period and should not be treated as a forecast of the 2028 election.
The survey was conducted at a 99% confidence level, with a margin of error of plus or minus one percentage point.
Source: Channel One News
