NDC Clears Hundreds of Aspirants for Constituency Elections as Leadership Urges Issue-Based Campaigns and Unity

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is advancing its internal restructuring with constituency-level elections scheduled for late October 2026. Across several regions, vetting committees have cleared hundreds of candidates to contest various executive positions. In Ketu South, 73 aspirants were approved out of 74 nominations, with Mr. Reginald Edem Zigah emerging as the sole candidate for Secretary following the disqualification of the incumbent. Similar vetting processes in Krachi East and the Atebubu/Amantin Constituency cleared 64 and 46 candidates respectively. These internal polls, largely set for October 24 and 25, are seen as a critical step in strengthening the party's grassroots organization under the current administration of President John Mahama.

While the vetting process has been smooth in many areas, some constituencies are facing internal friction. In the Adansi Fomena Constituency, party supporters staged protests at the local office following the alleged disqualification of chairmanship aspirant Atipile Mohammed, warning that such a move could undermine the party's momentum. In Gomoa West, legal practitioner Godlove Adjei Tenkorang has formally urged the party to reject the potential candidacy of broadcast journalist Captain Smart for the parliamentary primary. Tenkorang cited concerns regarding Smart's past derogatory comments about voters and disputes over his actual membership status within the party, arguing that his inclusion could negatively influence younger journalists and party standards.

Despite these localized disputes, the party is seeing a notable influx of new talent and professionals. In the Jaman South Constituency, Lawrence Adonis Addo Cheremeh, popularly known as Kojo Addo, has announced his bid for the Vice Chairmanship. A veteran journalist with over two decades of experience, Addo aims to leverage his background in communication to enhance the party’s organizational structures. Meanwhile, Deputy National Youth Organiser Osman Ayariga highlighted a significant rise in youth participation, noting that the high number of young individuals seeking leadership roles reflects the party’s growing appeal among the younger demographic in Ghana.

National and local leaders have emphasized the need for decorum and unity as the election dates approach. Bright Solomon Kumordzie, Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner to Togo and outgoing constituency chairman, has advised all aspirants to focus their campaign messages on constructive ideas and party development rather than personal attacks or hate speech. Party officials, including Atebubu/Amantin Elections Director Abdul Rashid Alimiyao, have assured members that the polls will be conducted in a credible and unbiased manner. This period of internal competition is viewed by leadership as essential preparation for the party’s broader national objectives leading toward the 2028 general elections.