By Philip Antoh
The National Headquarters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) was full as party faithfuls followed their preferred candidates to file their nomination contesting for various positions in the national executive elections slated for December 19.
The filling session begun on Saturday November 7 and ended officially on Monday November 9, at 5pm.
A total of 137 prospective aspirants picked nonreaction forms to contest 14 available executive positions. But as at closed of nomination yesterday at 5pm, 121 contestants have successfully filed while the remaining 16 aspirants were unable to file.
The euphoria amidst drumming and dancing painted a beautiful picture of the umbrella party’s understanding of the internal democracy and its preparation towards a process leading to the electing a flagbearer.
From National Chairman to vice chair, to organiser, women organiser, youth wing, communications, national executives and the National Zongo Coordinators, there are at least more than two candidates contesting except the National Organiser position occupied by Joseph Yamin who went unopposed.
Vetting of Aspirants
According to the party’s calendar, vetting of nominees is scheduled to commence immediately following the close of nominations, with individual sessions like the National Executive Committee (NEC) vetting starting on Wednesday, November 12, 2026.
National Delegates Congress
The final election of national executives will take place on Saturday, December 19, 2026, in Tamale, Northern Region, as part of the party’s reorganisation for the 2028 general elections.
Big names such as Oppong Fosu, Nii Armah Ashietey, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye and other have all filed their nomination forms to contest for the National Chairman position before deadline and are therefore eligible for vetting in the coming day.
On National Vice Chairperson, Former Member of Parliament Alfred Agbesi Woyome, Vida Addae, Alhaji Amadu Sorogo and other submitted their nominations.
Basiera Saankara officially filed his nomination, running on a platform of economic self-reliance and youth leadership fellowships. Four aspirants total are contesting for the National Youth Organiser position
The Deputy National Communications Officer post saw Wonder Kutor, Ewura Adams Kasim and six others successfully filed their forms as at the close of nomination.
National Executive Committee (NEC) Member also saw Emmanuel Ewoenam Yao Adzome, an Assembly Member for Ho Central, Adam Kofi Adnan and many other formally filed to run as a NEC member.
According to figures released by the NDC Congress Elections Committee, the breakdown of aspirants who picked forms to contest includes 5 candidates for National Chairman, 19 for National Vice Chairman, and 53 for National Executive Committee members.
Other key role breakdowns include the General Secretary (2), National Organizer (1), National Communication Officer (2), National Women Organizer (2), and National Youth Organizer (4), alongside various deputy and coordinator roles.
Withdrawals
Former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has officially withdrawn from the party’s upcoming national chairmanship race.
His announcement came on Monday, November 9, 2026, coinciding with the final day for the filing of nominations for the NDC’s national leadership positions.
According to a statement issued on his behalf on November 9, 2026, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo decided against proceeding with his candidacy following extensive consultations.
He stated that the decision was taken in the “overriding interest of the party” and to allow him to focus on other key national responsibilities.
He noted that President John Dramani Mahama has entrusted him with two major roles that require his attention: serving as the Political Advisor to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and as the Board Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)
The decision was made despite party supporters across all 16 regions already purchasing nomination forms and paying filing fees on his behalf.
He expressed profound gratitude to those members for their confidence and support.
Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo reaffirmed his 34-year commitment to the NDC, indicating that his political and governance experience remains fully available to support the party.