Vetting has begun for 54 candidates seeking executive positions in the Western Regional branch of Ghana’s ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), with the contest for regional chairman attracting particular attention ahead of the party’s internal elections.
The exercise is being held at the NDC’s regional office in Sekondi. Aspirants from constituencies across the Western Region have expressed confidence that they will complete the process successfully, although most of those taking part are from the southern part of the region.
Several candidates told 3news.com they were contesting to serve the party, strengthen its structures and build on its electoral gains.
Incumbent challenged for chairman’s role
Regional chairman Nana Kojo Toku is seeking a further term, but faces two challengers, including former Regional Vice Chairman Samuel K. Borlu, regarded by many as his leading opponent.
Nana Toku won the position at the 2022 regional elections with 415 votes, compared with 91 for his challenger.
His supporters say his leadership helped improve the NDC’s fortunes in the region, pointing to victories in constituencies where the party had previously struggled to secure parliamentary seats.
The party won Essikado-Ketan after a 20-year wait and captured the Sekondi parliamentary seat for the first time since 1994. Those results have been presented as evidence of progress during Nana Toku’s tenure.
Supporters of Samuel Borlu, however, argue that the NDC’s performance in the 2024 general elections was the result of a collective effort involving constituency executives, parliamentary candidates, grassroots supporters and other party members.
They have also raised concerns about internal cohesion and employment opportunities for party supporters. They want the next regional chairman to focus on unity, grassroots mobilisation and the welfare of the party’s rank and file.
The chairmanship election is consequently centred on differing assessments of Nana Toku’s record and contrasting views about the party’s future direction.
Four candidates seek regional secretary position
The regional secretary’s position is also being contested after Joseph Nelson was appointed Western Regional Minister.
Four aspirants are seeking the vacant post, including former Regional Communications Officer Ebenezer Essien and former Effia parliamentary candidate Michael Otoo.
Nine candidates are competing for deputy regional secretary, making it the most contested position in the elections.
Across the various races, aspirants have highlighted the importance of organisational strength, party unity and stronger engagement with grassroots members to retain existing support and attract new voters.
Communications and organiser contests
Regional Communications Officer Richard Kirk Mensah is facing a challenge from Eric Kyeremah of the Mpohor Constituency.
The successful candidate will lead the NDC’s regional communications work, explain its policies and achievements, respond to political developments and engage the media and the wider public.
Regional Organiser Charles Adu-Fordjour is also being challenged by former organiser Yunos Mohammed and party stalwart Haruna Moro Azika.
Regional Treasurer Daniel Darlington Atitso, Deputy Treasurer Marian Plange-Kwofie and Regional Women’s Organiser Gladys Egyin are all unopposed.
The elections follow the NDC’s 2024 general election performance, in which it won 15 of the Western Region’s 17 parliamentary seats. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) retained Takoradi and Effia.
Compared with 2020, the NDC gained seven additional seats, winning Essikado-Ketan, Sekondi, Mpohor, Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Shama, Ahanta West and Kwesimintsim.
The results remain central to the chairmanship debate, with both sides offering different interpretations of what produced the gains. The vetting process is the latest step towards electing the executives who will oversee the NDC’s affairs and political position in the Western Region.
