Former National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo has announced he will not contest the party’s upcoming National Chairmanship election, even though supporters from all 16 regions bought nomination forms and paid filing fees on his behalf.
The decision was made public on Monday, November 9, 2026, in a statement issued on his behalf by former Adentan MP and Presidential Staffer Kojo Adu-Asare. It confirms earlier reports that he would stay out of the contest.
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo said he took the decision “after careful consideration and in the overriding interest of the party.”
His withdrawal comes as the NDC moves through its internal elections, with nominations for national executive positions expected to close on November 9.
Why Ofosu-Ampofo pulled out of the NDC chairmanship race
The former chairman pointed to his current responsibilities in government. President John Dramani Mahama has assigned him two roles that he says require his full attention.
He serves as Political Advisor to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and as Board Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
He described the two roles as important to “the government’s resetting agenda” and pledged to discharge them with “dedication, integrity and the utmost sense of duty.”
Supporters in all 16 regions bought nomination forms
The statement thanked party members across the country who picked up nomination forms and paid filing fees for him without his formal entry into the race.
He called the gesture a “remarkable expression of love, confidence and support.”
Ofosu-Ampofo’s record as NDC National Chairman
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo led the NDC as National Chairman from 2018 to 2022. He lost his re-election bid in 2022 to Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the current National Chairman.
In his statement, he said his 34 years of experience in party politics and governance remain available to the NDC whenever needed.
- Former position: NDC National Chairman (2018–2022)
- Lost re-election to: Johnson Asiedu Nketia (2022)
- Current roles: Political Advisor to the Vice President; COCOBOD Board Chairman
- Years in party politics and governance: 34
- Regions where forms were bought for him: All 16
Who is left in the NDC National Chairmanship race
According to Citi Newsroom, four aspirants remain in the contest following his withdrawal:
- Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, former MP for Odododiodio
- Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, former Minister for Local Government
- Chief Sofo Azorka, incumbent National Vice Chairman
- Nii Armah Ashitey, former MP for Klottey Korle
What the withdrawal means for NDC members
With a former chairman out of the race, the contest narrows to the remaining aspirants, and delegates who backed Ofosu-Ampofo will now have to decide where their support goes.
For COCOBOD, his decision means he stays focused on the board at a time when the cocoa sector is undergoing restructuring. GhanaTrends earlier reported on the new cocoa price of GH¢42,400 per tonne for the 2026/27 season.
In his message to members, he congratulated newly elected constituency officers and urged aspirants to campaign with unity and mutual respect. He said the party’s strength lies in its “collective experience, unity, institutional memory and shared commitment to its ideals.”
What happens next in the NDC internal elections
The NDC is expected to proceed with its regional and national executive elections after the close of nominations. The party is yet to announce a final list of cleared chairmanship candidates.
Vetting of aspirants and the date of the national delegates’ congress will be the next key steps to watch.
Key details at a glance
- Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo will not contest the NDC National Chairmanship election.
- The announcement was made on November 9, 2026, in a statement issued by Kojo Adu-Asare.
- Supporters in all 16 regions had bought forms and paid filing fees for him.
- He remains Political Advisor to Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and COCOBOD Board Chairman.
- He was NDC National Chairman from 2018 to 2022.
- Four aspirants remain: Vanderpuye, Oppong-Fosu, Sofo Azorka and Nii Armah Ashitey.
FAQs
Why did Ofosu-Ampofo withdraw from the NDC chairmanship race?
He said he took the decision in the overriding interest of the party and to focus on his government roles as Political Advisor to the Vice President and COCOBOD Board Chairman.
Who are the candidates for NDC National Chairman 2026?
The remaining aspirants are Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, Chief Sofo Azorka and Nii Armah Ashitey.
Was Ofosu-Ampofo NDC National Chairman before?
Yes. He served as NDC National Chairman from 2018 to 2022 before losing to Johnson Asiedu Nketia.
Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo’s exit removes a former chairman from the NDC’s National Chairmanship race, leaving four aspirants in contention as the party heads towards its national executive elections. He says he will remain committed to the party while serving in his government roles.
