121 aspirants file nominations for NDC national executive elections; three positions go unopposed

A total of 121 candidates have completed the nomination process to contest various positions in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) national executive elections, out of the 138 individuals who initially picked nomination forms.

The figures were announced by the spokesperson for the party's Elections Committee, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, at a press briefing on Monday, November 9, following the conclusion of the 3-day submission exercise at the party's national headquarters in Accra.

Dr Otokunor explained that aspirants were required to obtain endorsements from party members in good standing, including 160 members drawn from across the country, to qualify for the next stage of the process.

The submitted nomination forms will now undergo scrutiny by the party's vetting committee to establish whether the candidates satisfy the requirements for their respective positions.

For the National Chairman position, 4 of the 5 aspirants who initially picked forms successfully submitted their nominations.

They are incumbent National Vice Chairman Sofo Azorka, former Finance Minister Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, Nii Armah Ashitey and former Deputy Transport Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye.

Former National Chairman Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, who also expressed interest in the position and picked nomination forms, failed to submit them before the deadline.

A total of 17 aspirants have filed nominations to contest the National Vice Chairman position.

Meanwhile, 3 major national executive positions are expected to be uncontested, subject to the vetting committee's approval.

Incumbent General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey is the only aspirant for the General Secretary position, while National Organiser Joseph Yammin is the sole candidate for his position. Godwin Ako-Gunn is also the only person to have filed for the National Communications Officer position.

Dr Otokunor said the 3 aspirants would be declared elected after the required voting and certification procedures, provided they successfully pass the vetting process.

The National Executive Committee membership contest recorded the highest number of aspirants, with 48 candidates filing nominations for the 5 available positions.

The vetting exercise is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, and Thursday, November 12.

On the first day, the committee will assess candidates seeking the positions of National Chairman, National Vice Chairman, General Secretary, National Organiser, National Communications Officer, National Youth Organiser, National Women's Organiser, Deputy National Youth Organiser and Deputy National Women's Organiser.

The second day's exercise will cover aspirants for Deputy General Secretary, Deputy National Organiser, Deputy National Communications Officer, National Zongo Caucus Coordinator and National Executive Committee membership.

Dr Otokunor urged all candidates to observe the scheduled arrangements and attend their respective sessions to prevent overcrowding and ensure an orderly vetting process.

Those who successfully clear the exercise will be authorised to commence their campaigns ahead of the party's national executive elections.

The NDC National Youth Wing and Women's Wing elections are scheduled for December 13 and 14, respectively, while the main national executive elections will take place during the party's Ninth Delegates Congress on December 19.

Dr Otokunor also commended the media for its coverage of the party's reorganisation activities, particularly the branch and constituency-level elections, and appealed for continued support as the party prepares for the remaining electoral exercises.