Kumasi:The race for executive positions within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region is intensifying, with 65 aspirants undergoing vetting as part of the party's preparation for its regional elections. Leading candidates are urging their supporters to refrain from engaging in insults and personal attacks.
According to Ghana Web, the vetting process is scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2026, as part of the NDC's internal reorganisation ahead of regional elections in November. Among those vetted are incumbent Ashanti Regional Chairman Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi and Regional Organiser Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu, who is challenging for the chairmanship.
After the vetting at the party's regional office in Kumasi, the contenders appealed for unity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cohesion despite the competitive nature of the elections. This call comes as aspirants work to secure delegate support, with the election outcomes expected to influence the party's regional leadership and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Nana Kwasi, seeking re-election, aims to build on his previous leadership, which saw an increase in the party’s parliamentary seats in the region from three to seven. Bonsu, involved with the party since 1992, focuses his campaign on strengthening grassroots structures and boosting member confidence.
The chairmanship contest is anticipated to draw significant attention, while other candidates, such as Emmanuel Fynn Reagan and Osei Richmond, are vying for the Regional Organiser position. Reagan emphasizes the need for strong leadership to enhance the NDC's electoral performance in an area dominated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Richmond aims to increase the party’s parliamentary seats to at least ten.
The race for Regional Women's Organiser is also notable, with incumbent Gloria Huze and Phyllis Manu as key figures, though their statuses require confirmation from the regional secretariat. The NDC's regional elections are part of the broader national electoral process for the 2026-2030 leadership cycle, with executive elections set for November 14 and 15, 2026.
The emphasis on peaceful campaigning highlights the importance of preventing internal conflicts that could weaken party unity. Candidates face the challenge of demonstrating their leadership skills while ensuring the campaign remains respectful and does not create lasting divisions.