Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced that he will not contest in the party's upcoming national chairmanship election. This decision comes after his supporters from all 16 regions of Ghana had purchased and picked up NDC national chairmanship nomination forms for him. His aides had earlier hinted that he would communicate his intention regarding the chairmanship position.
On Monday, 9 November 2026, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo officially announced his withdrawal in a formal statement. He cited his intention to focus on his role as the Political Adviser to the Vice President and Board Chairman of COCOBOD. According to the statement, his commitment to these responsibilities is critical to the successful implementation of the government's agenda and the delivery of its promises to Ghanaians.
Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo's decision is believed to have been influenced by his engagement with some senior figures within the NDC and government. His statement noted that he had taken the decision in the overriding interest of the party and his commitment to serving the party and the nation in other capacities. He emphasized that the strength of the NDC lies in its collective experience, unity, institutional memory, and shared commitment to its ideals.
Despite his decision not to contest, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo reaffirmed his commitment to the NDC. He indicated that his 34 years of experience in party politics and governance would remain available to support the party. He also urged party members and aspirants to conduct themselves with unity and mutual respect throughout the ongoing internal electoral processes.
Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo served as NDC National Chairman from 2018 to 2022. He lost his re-election bid to Johnson Asiedu Nketia by a margin of 2,677 votes at the party's National Delegates Congress in December 2022. His withdrawal from the national chairmanship race is seen as a significant development in the party's internal electoral processes.
The NDC national chairmanship election is a critical process for the party, with various aspirants vying for the position. Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo's decision not to contest has likely shifted the dynamics of the race. The party's national delegates will now have to consider other candidates for the position.
Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo's commitment to his role as Political Adviser to the Vice President and Board Chairman of COCOBOD is seen as a significant development. His focus on these responsibilities is expected to contribute to the successful implementation of the government's agenda and the delivery of its promises to Ghanaians.
Key points
- Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo withdraws from NDC national chairmanship race
- He cites commitment to role as Political Adviser to the Vice President and Board Chairman of COCOBOD
- Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo reaffirms commitment to NDC despite withdrawal from national chairmanship race
