Some supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region have mounted a strong campaign for the retention of incumbent Regional Chairman, Augustus Andrews Nana Akwasi, ahead of the party’s forthcoming regional executive elections on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The party members have been campaigning for the Regional Chairman on the Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9FM in Kumasi.
Since last week, NDC members appearing on the show have used the opportunity to campaign for the incumbent Ashanti Regional Chairman, Nana Akwasi.
They included the NDC Chairman for Nhyiaeso Constituency, Ernest Afayam; Justice Prempeh, NDC communication team in Ashanti Region; Justice Prah, NDC communication team member; among others.
The supporters, who spoke on the show, called on delegates to renew the mandate of the incumbent chairman, insisting that his track record and experience should not be sacrificed at this critical stage of the party’s development.
Nana Akwasi is facing a challenge from the party’s Regional Organiser, Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu, in what is shaping up to be a keenly contested race for the influential regional chairmanship position.
The supporters maintained that the incumbent had demonstrated leadership and commitment to the party, particularly in the Ashanti Region, where the NDC has historically struggled to match the electoral dominance of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
They pointed to the party’s improved parliamentary performance in the region, arguing that Nana Akwasi’s leadership had contributed to the NDC’s gradual electoral breakthrough.
They said the party’s parliamentary representation in the Ashanti Region increased from three seats after the 2016 elections to four in 2020 and seven in the 2024 general elections.
They also cited the increased presidential votes secured by President John Dramani Mahama in the region during the 2024 elections as evidence of the party’s growing electoral fortunes.
“Why should we change a chairman who has helped improve the party’s fortunes in a region where winning elections has always been difficult? We believe he deserves another opportunity to consolidate the gains,” Afayam said.
Another speaker, Justice Prempeh, said the party needed an experienced hand to consolidate its grassroots structures and prepare the region for the 2028 general elections.
The contest has attracted considerable attention within the regional party, with both aspirants making efforts to secure the support of delegates.
Nana Akwasi, who has served as the Ashanti Regional Chairman since 2018, is seeking another term, relying on his experience and record in managing the party’s affairs.
His challenger, Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu, the incumbent Regional Organiser, is also seeking to convince delegates that he has the organisational experience to take over the regional leadership.
The chairmanship contest is expected to be one of the major highlights of the regional elections, which will determine the party’s leadership and direction ahead of the next general elections.
The NDC is scheduled to hold its Ashanti Regional Youth and Women Conferences on Friday, November 13, 2026, while the main regional executive elections will take place on Saturday, November 14, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Several aspirants are expected to contest various executive positions as the party reorganises its regional structures.
The positions include Regional Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Regional Organiser, Deputy Organiser, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, Communications Officer, Deputy Communications Officer and Zongo Caucus Coordinator.
The elections are considered significant to the NDC’s preparations towards the 2028 general elections, particularly its ambition to strengthen its presence and parliamentary representation in the Ashanti Region.
Meanwhile, supporters of the incumbent chairman have appealed to delegates to consider what they described as his contribution to the party’s electoral progress before making their choice.
They have also appealed to the various camps to avoid acrimony and ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully to preserve party unity.
The speakers also spoke against politics of insult, since this is a family issue.
By Benjamin Aidoo
