NDC Internal Elections Intensify as Regional Chairmen Seek Re-election Amid Calls for Grassroots Unity

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is experiencing a surge in internal political activity as the party prepares for regional and constituency elections across Ghana. Under the current administration of President John Mahama, the party's focus has sharpened on consolidating electoral gains and strengthening grassroots structures. In the Eastern Region, Ing. Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor has officially declared his intention to seek re-election as Regional Chairman. Dr. Kevor, who recently resigned as the Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) to focus on his campaign, highlighted the party's growth in the region from 36.5% in 2016 to nearly 48% in 2024 as evidence of effective leadership and organizational success.

Similar momentum is building in the Volta Region, where a coalition of concerned NDC members has pledged to pay the filing fees for the incumbent Regional Chairman, Mawutor Agbavito. The group cited Agbavito's success in reclaiming the Hohoe parliamentary seat and his ability to enhance the party's grassroots appeal as primary reasons for their support. This trend of focusing on local-level engagement is also evident in the Mion constituency, where Alhassan Issah is making a second bid for the chairmanship. Issah, who narrowly lost in the previous contest, is challenging incumbent Adam Yussif Fitta on a platform of stronger grassroots connectivity to bolster support ahead of the 2028 general elections.

While many areas report smooth processes, the internal polls have not been without friction. In the Jomoro constituency, the Western Regional Vetting Committee recently disqualified Patrick Ellonu, a former two-term Communications Officer, from contesting the Constituency Secretary position following a vetting exercise at Bonyere Junction. Meanwhile, in Mion, the vice-chairmanship race is also heating up, with veteran branch leader Nignan Daniel Nkandin challenging incumbent Joseph Magbu Jabuni, further highlighting the competitive nature of this election cycle and the high stakes involved in party leadership at every level.

Amidst these contests, senior party figures are calling for decorum and unity to prevent internal divisions. Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the Member of Parliament for Builsa South and Deputy Minister of Education, has urged all aspirants to campaign on ideas, programs, and records rather than personal attacks. Emphasizing that the party must remain a cohesive family, Dr. Apaak reminded candidates that the ultimate goal is to maintain a united front post-election. As the filing and vetting processes conclude, the NDC aims to emerge with a revitalized leadership structure capable of maintaining its political momentum across its traditional strongholds and beyond.