NDC Cracks Whip on Early Campaigns

As Oppong-Fosu Set To Declare Chairmanship Bid Today

TNR Files

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has moved to stamp out internal turmoil ahead of its parliamentary primaries, ordering all members to immediately halt activities with parliamentary campaign undertones until nominations officially open.

The directive, issued by the party’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC) and signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, follows what the party described as conduct by some members with apparent parliamentary ambitions in various constituencies.

In a statement issued Monday, September 14, the NDC cautioned members against organising or participating in meetings, engagements, tours, donations, public appearances or any other activities intended or reasonably perceived to promote a parliamentary candidature ahead of the official opening of nominations.

The party described such activities as inappropriate and potentially disruptive to its unity, cohesion and orderly functioning.

“Any member who disregards this directive shall be subject to disciplinary action and severe sanctions in accordance with the Party’s Constitution, rules and regulations,” the statement warned.

Regional, constituency, branch and other party officers have been directed to ensure compliance and report any breaches to the appropriate party authorities for action.

The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, orderly and credible process for selecting parliamentary candidates, assuring members that the opening of nominations and applicable guidelines would be communicated at the appropriate time.

“All members are urged to respect the Party’s established processes and remain disciplined in the interest of party unity,” the statement added.

The directive comes as political parties prepare for future electoral contests and seek to manage competition among aspiring parliamentary candidates. The NDC is expected to announce its timetable for nominations and parliamentary primaries in due course.

Meanwhile, a former Minister for Local Government and Rural Development and current Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA), Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, will today, Thursday, September 17, formally declare his intention to contest the party’s national chairmanship.

The event takes place at the Coconut Groove Regency Hotel in Accra at 9:00 am and is expected to attract party bigwigs, supporters and well-wishers.

“I am pleased to invite comrades, friends and well-wishers to join me as I formally declare my intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC),” he said in a special invitation.

Oppong-Fosu is seeking to succeed the incumbent chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who is not seeking re-election but is instead positioning himself for the party’s flagbearership.

He will face fierce competition from Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuije, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Alhaji Said Sinare and Augustus “Goosie” Obuadum Tanoh. He is the first to officially declare his bid as far as the contest is concerned.

In August, during an engagement with the NDC Western Region Caucus where he hails partly from Oppong-Fosu laid out his vision for the party, anchored on three interconnected pillars: Restoration, Renewal and Resetting.

The former minister emphasised the need to restore the values and principles that have sustained the NDC, renew the collective mindset and sense of purpose among members, and reset the party’s structures to meet the changing expectations of Ghanaians.

“I intend to continue listening, engaging and exchanging ideas with our members and leaders across the country ahead of the appropriate time for a formal declaration,” the statement from his campaign team read.

Known as a grassroots person, Oppong-Fosu stressed that at this critical stage of the party’s journey, its leadership must help consolidate the legacy of President John Dramani Mahama, arguing that the success of the current administration should serve as a strong foundation for the party’s future beyond the 2028 elections.

“Our responsibility, therefore, goes beyond winning elections. We must build a party that remains united, disciplined, inclusive and firmly connected to its grassroots,” he stated, adding: “Every member, from the branch level to the national leadership, must feel valued and have a meaningful role in shaping our collective future.”

Oppong-Fosu was in 2025 appointed an Advisory Board Member of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce (AGCC).

The coming weeks will test the NDC’s ability to manage the ambitions of its parliamentary aspirants while simultaneously navigating a competitive chairmanship race that could shape the party’s direction ahead of the 2028 general elections.