Nana Kwasi breaks down in tears after reclaiming NDC Ashanti Regional chairmanship

The newly elected Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi, was overcome with emotion and broke down in tears shortly after being declared winner of the party's regional executive elections.

The former chairman struggled to hold back tears as jubilant supporters and party faithful gathered around him to celebrate his return to the influential position.

His emotional reaction drew attention from delegates and other supporters at the election grounds, highlighting the significance of the victory after a keenly contested race.

Nana Kwasi secured 814 votes to defeat former Ashanti Regional Organiser Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu, who polled 622 votes out of the 1,436 ballots cast.

His victory followed an earlier expression of confidence that delegates would renew his mandate based on his record during his eight-year tenure as regional chairman.

Ahead of the polls, he pointed to the NDC's improved electoral performance in the Ashanti Region under his leadership, arguing that the party had made considerable gains despite the region's longstanding reputation as a stronghold of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He cited an increase in the party's presidential votes from approximately 300,000 when he assumed office to 450,000 in the 2020 general elections, before rising to about 800,000 in the 2024 polls.

His re-election is expected to shape the NDC's preparations for the 2028 general elections, particularly as the party seeks to strengthen its presence in one of the country's most competitive political regions.

The contest attracted considerable interest, with several aspirants campaigning to secure delegates' support and influence the future direction of the party's regional administration.

With the elections concluded, Nana Kwasi is expected to work with the newly elected regional executives, constituency leaders and other party stakeholders to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and address internal divisions.

A key priority will be bringing together supporters of the various candidates and ensuring that differences arising from the contest do not weaken the party's structures.

The NDC will also be looking to build on its recent electoral gains by expanding its support base and improving its competitiveness across the Ashanti Region ahead of the next general elections.

Nana Kwasi's emotional display after the declaration of the results reflected the intensity of the contest and the significance of the responsibility that comes with leading the party in the region.

His ability to unite the different factions, consolidate the party's structures and translate its internal organisation into stronger electoral support will be central to his new tenure.