The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has urged delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Eastern Region to prioritise party unity and maintain peace as they elect new regional executives.
During a visit to the voting centre at Kwahu Obomeng, he appealed to delegates to put the collective interest of the party above individual ambitions, stressing that unity must prevail regardless of who emerges victorious.
He said the enthusiasm among delegates and supporters reflected the party’s commitment to its Resetting Ghana agenda.
“I urge all the delegates to be united and vote peacefully today. The atmosphere here and the enthusiasm tell us that indeed we are resetting the country. We are all one family, and we should remain united regardless of who wins or loses.”
On the NDC’s prospects of improving its electoral fortunes in the Eastern Region, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who himself hails from the region, expressed confidence that the party could make further gains in subsequent elections.
The NDC is seeking to consolidate its improved performance in the region following the 2024 general elections, when it secured approximately 46 per cent of the presidential vote, compared with the NPP’s 52 per cent.
This marked an improvement on the NDC’s 38 per cent share in the 2020 presidential election, signalling a narrowing of the electoral gap between the two parties in the region.
Traditionally considered an NPP stronghold, the Eastern Region remains a key battleground in the NDC’s efforts to expand its electoral base.
A little over 1,000 delegates from across the region have converged at Kwahu Obomeng to elect new executives to steer the affairs of the party.
The contest is keenly competitive, with incumbent executives, returning contenders and new entrants seeking the mandate of delegates for various positions.
Among the aspirants expressing confidence is Prince Henry, who is contesting the Regional Communications Officer position. He says his ambition is to strengthen the party’s communication machinery and shape its political narrative.
“I am very confident of winning the Regional Communications position to spearhead information delivery and develop the needed narrative for the party.”
Lawyer Larbi Mintah, a new entrant into the contest, is also optimistic about his chances of securing the Regional Secretary position, which is attracting competition from several aspirants.
“All the delegates have given me the indication that I am winning.”
Meanwhile, the atmosphere outside the Obomeng AstroTurf remains lively, with supporters drumming, singing and engaging in last-minute campaigns for their preferred candidates.
Voting commenced at about 10 a.m., with delegates gradually arriving to cast their ballots across the six designated voting centres on the field.
Among the party stalwarts monitoring proceedings are Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, former Finance Minister Seth Terkper and a former National Chairman of the NDC, alongside other senior party figures.
The newly elected regional executives will face the task of strengthening the party’s grassroots structures, maintaining internal cohesion and consolidating its electoral gains as the NDC seeks to improve its performance in the Eastern Region in future elections.
The Eastern NDC Chairmanship position is keenly being contested by incumbent Ing Mark Oliver Kevor, returning Bismark Tawiah Boateng and a former regional executive, David Dakudzi.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman for the Eastern Regional Election, Baba Jamal Konnel, has directed the Police to arrest any delegate who takes shots of ballots in the voting booth.
“This election would be free and fair, let us all abide by the rules, we are a people of democracy. We have asked the Police to take action against anyone who flouts the rule.”
Story by Yvonne Neequaye
