The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, will not seek re-election.
Spokesperson for the Congress Elections Committee, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, confirmed the development, adding that nominations for national executive positions closed last Wednesday with 137 aspirants picking forms to contest various positions.
The decision lends credence to reports that he intends to contest the party’s flagbearership next year.
Among those vying for the national Chairman position are Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Nii Armah Ashietey, former National Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo – whose forms were picked on his behalf by some party members – National Vice Chairman Sofo Azorka, and Akwasi Opong-Fosu.
The incumbent General Secretary, Franklin Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, will face off with Stephen Donkor.
Dr Otokunor told the Daily Graphic that all aspirants have 14 days to complete and submit their nomination forms, pay the relevant filing fees and complete the endorsement process in accordance with Sections 10 and 15 of the 2026 guidelines for the national congress.
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) has approved filing fees for 14 positions, with the national chairman position attracting the highest fee of GH¢100,000.
Under the approved structure, National Vice Chairman aspirants will pay GH¢60,000, General Secretary GH¢80,000 and National Organiser GH¢70,000. Deputy General Secretary positions require GH¢60,000.
Aspirants for National Communication Officer will pay GH¢50,000, while National Youth Organiser and National Zongo Caucus Coordinator each attract GH¢40,000.
Deputy Organiser positions, including Deputy National Organiser, Deputy National Communication Officer, Deputy National Youth Organiser, National Women’s Organiser and Deputy National Women’s Organiser, each require GH¢30,000, subject to special provisions for female candidates.
Membership of the National Executive Committee carries the lowest fee of GH¢10,000. All aspirants will also pay GH¢2,000 for nomination forms via the party’s designated platform, forms.ghanandc.com.
The schedule provides a 50 per cent concession for female candidates and persons with disabilities for all positions, except national women’s organiser and deputy national women’s organiser.
On timelines, Dr Otokunor said vetting of applicants is slated for November 12 to 13, 2026, with appeals from November 15 to 16. The youth and women’s conference will take place on December 12, with the national congress on December 19, 2026.
