Supporters Back Nana Akwasi for Ashanti NDC Chair

Some supporters of Ghana's ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region have expressed their support for the re-election bid of incumbent Regional Chairman, Nana Akwasi, ahead of the party's regional executive elections. They cited his contributions to the party's electoral fortunes and organisational growth in the region. The supporters, who spoke to the Daily Guide in separate interviews, appealed to delegates to retain Nana Akwasi for another term.

Nana Akwasi faces competition from the party's Regional Organiser, Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu, who is also vying for the chairmanship position. The chairmanship contest is one of the major attractions of the forthcoming elections, with both candidates seeking the mandate of delegates to steer the party's affairs for the next four years. According to some supporters, Nana Akwasi's tenure has seen an improvement in the NDC's parliamentary representation in the Ashanti Region, a stronghold of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The NDC increased its parliamentary seats in the region from four in 2020 to seven in the 2024 general election. Nana Akwasi, first elected regional chairman in 2018, has consistently maintained that his leadership has contributed to the party's gradual expansion in the region. He previously indicated that the NDC had only three parliamentary seats in the Ashanti Region after the 2016 general election but secured additional seats under his leadership in subsequent elections.

Nana Akwasi, seeking a third term, has made continuity, experience, and strengthening the party's grassroots structures central to his campaign. He plans to strengthen the NDC's organisational structures across all 47 constituencies in the region, including dividing constituencies into zones to improve party mobilisation and communication. His challenger, Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu, also seeks to convince delegates that he has the organisational experience required to lead the party.

The Ashanti Regional Elections Committee has scheduled the Regional Youth and Women Conferences for November 13 at the Ahensan Youth Centre in Kumasi. The main regional executive elections will take place on November 14 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, with 48 aspirants contesting 11 executive positions. The Electoral Commission of Ghana will supervise the elections, while the Ghana Police Service will provide security.

The outcome of the elections is expected to shape the party's regional leadership and organisational direction as it prepares for the 2028 general election. Some supporters interviewed by the Daily Guide expressed confidence in Nana Akwasi's bid, citing his record and experience as important considerations for delegates. They urged all aspirants and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and put the unity of the party above individual ambitions.

The Daily Guide was informed that Nana Akwasi's supporters believe his experience and leadership have been instrumental in the party's growth in the Ashanti Region. They argue that his re-election will ensure continuity and further growth for the party. The party's regional executive elections are a crucial step towards the 2028 general election, and the outcome will likely have a significant impact on the party's performance in the region.

Key points

• Nana Akwasi seeks a third term as Ashanti NDC Regional Chairman, citing his contributions to the party's growth and electoral fortunes.