Duncan Nsoh, an aspirant for the Upper East Regional Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced his intention to contest the position, citing the need to liberate the party's grassroots and constituency executives from alleged extortion and intimidation. In an interview with A1 Radio, Mr. Nsoh accused the incumbent regional leadership, led by Chairman Alhaji Abdulai Mumuni Bolnaba, of being absentee leaders who rarely engage with party members at the constituency and polling station levels.
Mr. Nsoh, a former Director of Education, claimed he had remained actively involved in party activities, including managing tensions among supporters in Zebilla and Sapeliga during the last general election. He said his commitment to grassroots mobilisation and long-standing engagement with constituency executives had encouraged party members to persuade him to contest the regional chairmanship. Mr. Nsoh initially resisted calls to enter the race but eventually agreed after repeated appeals from grassroots members.
The aspirant alleged that some regional-level party officials had been taking advantage of their positions to influence or seize opportunities, including contracts, appointments, and school feeding-related benefits, which he believes should reach the constituencies. He promised that, if elected, he would prevent regional executives from interfering in opportunities meant for constituency structures. Mr. Nsoh emphasised that the regional party leadership should focus on supervision, coordination, and ensuring that party structures function effectively.
Mr. Nsoh defended his decision to challenge Mr. Bolnaba, dismissing suggestions that his ambition was motivated by disappointment over not receiving an appointment from the incumbent. He cited his background in education administration, business, agriculture, and construction, as well as training in proposal development, as additional strengths he would bring to the position. The aspirant argued that the NDC needed a more active and effective regional leadership to strengthen collaboration with its Members of Parliament, constituency executives, and other stakeholders ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The aspirant acknowledged Mr. Bolnaba's contribution to the party but insisted that the regional chairmanship required a change in leadership. Mr. Nsoh claimed that the NDC's performance in winning all 15 parliamentary seats in the region should not be credited solely to the regional chairman, insisting that constituency executives, polling station organisers, and parliamentary candidates played significant roles in securing the victories.
As the November 14 election approaches, Mr. Nsoh appealed to delegates to vote for him, promising to make the regional party leadership more accessible, accountable, and responsive to the needs of grassroots members. He urged delegates to look beyond the party's electoral record and assess how effectively the regional leadership has supported the party's structures. Mr. Nsoh expressed confidence that his experience and commitment to grassroots mobilisation would make him a better leader for the party.
The NDC regional executive elections are scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026. Mr. Nsoh's bid for the regional chairmanship has been endorsed by grassroots members, who believe he has the capacity to lead the party to greater heights. With his extensive experience in education administration and community engagement, Mr. Nsoh is poised to bring a new level of leadership to the Upper East Regional NDC.
Key points
- Duncan Nsoh aims to end alleged extortion and intimidation of Upper East grassroots members under incumbent regional leadership.
- Nsoh promises to make regional party leadership more accessible, accountable, and responsive to grassroots members' needs.
- The NDC regional executive elections are scheduled for November 14, 2026.
