Former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has withdrawn from the party's national chairmanship contest. His supporters had picked up nomination forms and paid filing fees on his behalf. However, in a statement issued on his behalf on Monday, November 9, Kojo Adu-Asare, a former Member of Parliament for Adentan and presidential staffer, announced Ofosu-Ampofo's decision to step down.
Ofosu-Ampofo expressed gratitude to his supporters for their confidence in his leadership. He described their gesture as a remarkable demonstration of love, confidence, and support from the party's rank and file. He noted that he was deeply touched by this expression of support and considered it a great honour. The former NDC chairman emphasized that his decision was taken in the overriding interest of the party.
According to the statement, Ofosu-Ampofo has been entrusted with responsibilities as Political Advisor to Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and Board Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). His role at COCOBOD involves providing leadership oversight for the ongoing restructuring of Ghana's cocoa industry. Additionally, his advisory position supports the Office of the Vice President.
The statement highlighted that Ofosu-Ampofo's roles at COCOBOD and as advisor to the Vice President are significant to the successful implementation of the government's agenda and the delivery of promises made to the people of Ghana under the NDC mandate. He reaffirmed his commitment to the NDC, citing his 34 years of experience in party politics and governance.
Ofosu-Ampofo remains available and willing to place his wealth of experience and institutional knowledge at the disposal of the party whenever called upon. He also congratulated newly elected constituency officers and urged party members and aspirants in the upcoming regional and national elections to maintain unity and mutual respect.
The statement emphasized that the strength of the NDC lies in its collective experience, unity, institutional memory, and shared commitment to its ideals. Ofosu-Ampofo's decision to withdraw from the chairmanship contest has been seen as a strategic move to focus on his new roles and contribute to the party's success in other capacities.
The development has significant implications for the NDC's future, as the party prepares for upcoming elections. Ofosu-Ampofo's experience and leadership will likely continue to shape the party's direction, albeit in a different capacity. His withdrawal from the chairmanship contest has paved the way for other aspirants to vie for the position.
Key points
- Ofosu-Ampofo cites 34 years of experience in party politics and governance as a reason for his continued commitment to the NDC.
