Praise, Fame, Backlash: Mussa Dankwah opens up on being a pollster

Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, says the attention that comes with his work as a pollster has made accuracy and public trust even more important, as Ghanaians increasingly look to his firm's surveys to understand the country's political mood.

Speaking recently on Raw with Roselyn Felli, Dankwah, who has been involved in polling for almost seven years, said he sees the recognition that comes with his work as a responsibility rather than simply an achievement.

Mussa Dankwah reveals what 45% of NPP delegates want in next chairman
“For me, it is a responsibility to stay on top and to stay accurate and to ensure that you don't disappoint the people of Ghana by doing anything untoward,” he said.

He acknowledged that public recognition comes with fame but stressed that it must be managed carefully because people rely on what he says.

“People are listening to you, and they believe in what you say. You are kind of informing and educating people about the perception across the country. So, for me, it is a responsibility that I intend to discharge honestly,” he said.

Dankwah also opened up about dealing with criticism, particularly when the firm's polling results do not favour the expectations of political parties or their supporters.

He said he anticipated such reactions when he entered the polling industry, noting that public opinion research often attracts praise and attacks depending on whose interests the findings appear to serve.

“They will come after you if it doesn't go their way. They will sing praises for you if it goes their way,” he said.

According to him, the reactions are part of the work, and he has learnt to expect them rather than allow them to distract him from his job.

JKB/VPO

Guns and Drugs: Dr Adam Bonaa Warns of Growing Security Threat to Ghana