The Battle for NDC’s Throne

Opong-Fosu set to declare as Sinare, Nii Lante, Azorka circle chairmanship seat

By Gifty Boateng & Prince Ahinkrah


The race to succeed Johnson Asiedu Nketiah as National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is no longer a whisper. It is a roar.

With the iconic “Mosquito” rumoured to be eyeing the presidency instead of re-election, at least four heavyweight contenders are now manoeuvring behind the scenes — and one of them is about to step into the open.

Opong-Fosu: The technocrat makes his move

Akwasi Opong-Fosu, board chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), has confirmed he is deep in stakeholder consultations across the party. A formal declaration is expected by the end of June.

He brings more than four decades of public service: former DCE, Deputy Minister for Local Government, substantive Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and former MP for Amenfi East.

Crucially, Opong-Fosu hails from both the Western and Ashanti regions a dual identity that once saw the Ashanti bloc push hard for him to become John Mahama’s running mate before Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was selected.

Now, he wants the party’s top organisational seat. His pitch: grassroots renewal and restored confidence in leadership.

Nii Lante: “If Mosquito is out, I am in”

Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, former Youth and Sports Minister and former MP for Odododiodoo, has already done what others have not spoken publicly.

“If the current chairman, my very good brother Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, is not contesting, I will contest,” he said on Channel One’s Face-to-Face programme in October 2025.

With Nketiah widely expected to step aside, the stage is set. Vanderpuye currently serves as National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP). His supporters say he brings youthful energy and a proven grassroots network.

Sinare: The diplomat’s long game

Alhaji Said Sinare, former Ghana Ambassador to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, is no stranger to national executive power. He served nearly 18 years as a national officer, including as National Vice Chairman.

His camp argues that few can match his experience in conflict resolution, electoral strategy, and sustaining the NDC’s base across regions. He has not yet declared, but party insiders say his consultations are among the most advanced.

Azorka: The northern anchor

Chief Sofo Azorka, former Northern Regional Chairman and National Vice Chairman, remains a formidable figure in the northern belt. While quieter in public, his political machinery is believed to be intact and ready.

Behind every candidacy looms a strict new directive from NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey: government appointees seeking party office must resign six months before elections.

For national positions, the deadline is June 2026.

Board chairs like Opong-Fosu are exempt. But for others, the clock is ticking.

Already, Dr Mark Oliver-Kevor, Director General of NITA, has resigned to contest the Eastern Regional chairmanship. “It was a very difficult decision,” he admitted. “My minister, Sam George, has not recovered from it.”

Who else must choose?

The party is now watching other appointees who hold key party offices:

· George Opare Addo (Youth Minister & National Youth Organiser)
· Dr Hanna Louisa Bissiw (Minerals Income Fund Administrator & National Women’s Organiser)
· Sammy Gyamfi (GoldBod CEO & National Communications Officer)
· Mustapha Gbandi (Deputy Director of Operations at Presidency & Deputy General Secretary)

None have resigned yet. But as one insider put it: “The road is now cleared. You either step down, or you step aside from the race.”

What’s next

The NDC’s National Delegates Conference is set for December 19, 2026. Between now and then, expect resignations, endorsements, and at least one major showdown.

Opong-Fosu is about to declare. Nii Lante is already waiting. Sinare and Azorka are not going away.

The battle for the soul of the NDC has begun.