NDC Enforces Resignation Rules for Appointees as Internal Leadership Battles Intensify Across Political Divide

The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have entered a period of intensive internal reorganization following the January 2025 transition of power to President John Mahama. While the NDC is focusing on enforcing strict eligibility criteria for its upcoming executive elections, the NPP is witnessing high-profile figures like General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua declaring their intention to lead the party’s recovery effort ahead of the 2028 general elections. This period of restructuring is marked by both firm administrative directives and localized disputes as both parties seek to solidify their leadership structures.

Jibril Mahdi, the NDC’s Acting IT Director, has reaffirmed that any government appointee seeking to contest for a party executive position must resign from their state role immediately. This long-standing rule aims to ensure that those in government focus on their administrative duties while party officers focus on political mobilization. Mahdi emphasized that there will be no exceptions, and individuals who remain in office will face automatic disqualification. Despite reports of some resignations circulating on social media, the party headquarters has yet to receive formal notifications from the majority of affected officials, prompting a warning that the resignation requirement will be strictly enforced as the party moves past its branch-level elections.

The NDC’s electoral process has not been without friction, however. In the Assin Central Constituency, branch executive elections were marred by violence at the Bamboo Factory polling station. Mr. Yaw Owusu, an aspirant for the deputy constituency youth organiser position, was allegedly assaulted by unidentified men following a dispute over electoral irregularities. The attack left Owusu with severe injuries, including a fractured neck and an eye injury, necessitating his referral from St. Francis Xavier Hospital to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for specialized treatment. The Central North Regional Police Command is currently investigating the incident, and Owusu has called for national executive intervention.

On the opposition side, the New Patriotic Party is preparing for its own internal contests aimed at recovery after the 2024 defeat. Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua has formally declared his candidacy to retain his position as the NPP General Secretary, expressing a commitment to rebuilding and unifying the party. Similarly, in the Ashanti Region, Ishaq Kyei-Brobbey has appealed to delegates for the Communications Officer position, citing his 14-year experience in party communication as vital for strategic leadership. These bids represent a broader effort within the NPP to refresh its image and structure as it transitions into its role as the primary opposition to the Mahama administration.

The path to restructuring remains complicated by legal challenges, notably in Krachi East. The High Court in Dambai recently adjourned a case involving a dispute over the NPP constituency organiser election to October 9, 2026. The lawsuit, filed by Mr. Justice Mensah, challenges the conduct and legitimacy of the election outcome, with the court directing the Electoral Commission and other defendants to submit their affidavits. As both parties navigate these internal hurdles and legal battles, the outcome of these executive elections will likely determine the political strategies and stability of Ghana’s major parties leading into the next electoral cycle.