According to the Ghanaian Observer, its publication on Monday of results of a nationwide survey undertaken by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) on the chances of the 17 persons who are considered serious contenders in the race to succeed President Kufuor at the NPP's upcoming congress, has created a panic situation.

“Apart from two of the NPP aspirants who have called to admit the fact that they are aware of the existence of such a survey; others have also routed complaints to us by proxy.”

Some of the complaints border on what the aspirants call "the timing of the story", whereas others have stated outright that the Ghanaian Observer does not like their candidature; hence the publication of the results.

According to the survey, the BNI put forward Nana Akufo-Addo as the man to beat in the NPP primaries with Alan Kyeremanten, Veep Aliu Mahama and Dr. Addo Kufuor following in that order in the top ranks.

The mid-rank is made up of Boakye Kyeremanten Agyarko, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, Yaw Osafo Maafo, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Felix Owusu Adjepong, Dan Botwe, Hackman Owusu Agyeman and Prof. Mike Oquaye in that order.

“The lower rungs lines up in this order, Capt (Rtd) Nkrabea Effah-Darteh, Papa Owusu Ankomah, Kwabena Agyapong and Dr. Arthur Kennedy.

The Observer claims the survey was commissioned by the national security apparatus.

"So controversial is the survey result that all manner of interest groups have also attempted to a assail it, and explained that an accompanying scanned cover sheet of the said report, was to assure its readers that the BNI indeed carried out the survey." said the paper

The report, also looked at the strengths and weaknesses of the various aspirants, and in the case of Vice President Aliu Mahama, the report said that " ... he has had enough leadership periods as the second man of the land ... " and proceeds to state that "he is the number three [3] man in terms of popularity. His position as the Vice President of the country has strengthened his chances to about ten [10%]. Even though he is strong on the ground, he is yet to assert his influence in especially the Zongo communities."

Of Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor, the report says "Based on his wonderful leadership and transformation of the security agencies under the Ministry of Defence, Addo-Kufuor is well known among all spheres of the populace. Being a brother of the incumbent President of the Republic of Ghana has also made him easily identifiable ... "

In fifth position, Boakye Agyarko had the following summary: "He commands about four percent [4%] of the people in the area. His power of oratory, good sense of humour and his one time assassination attempt on his life by the PNDC regime, has won him enough sympathy. Also, reports that he had financially supported the party whilst in opposition and his maternal side hailing from Manya Krobo has catapulted him higher."

In sixth position, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku had this measurement: "He is rated sixth in the region. Despite his fall out from President Kufuor's cabinet, he commands about four [4%] of the populace ... Apraku is tipped amongst both the NPP hierarchy and the general populace as one of the most qualified persons to lead NPP in the December, 2008 elections ... "

Enter Yaw Osafo Maafo at number 7, the report says this of him among other things: "Regarded as one of the most seasoned politicians in the country, Osafo Maafo is rated a successful banker and Minister of Finance by the populace. However, most people have indicated that he is not a presidential material for the NPP and the country for various reasons. The reasons include his personality which most people, especially females find questionable ... "

The paper has promised to publish comments about the rest of the polled aspirants.