NDC's Bono East branch clears all 46 leadership hopefuls for November regional elections

Ghana's opposition National Democratic Congress has given the green light to all 46 aspirants contesting various executive positions in its Bono East Regional branch, paving the way for internal elections scheduled for November. The vetting process, completed on Wednesday, saw every candidate cleared without disqualifications, signalling a smooth and inclusive nomination cycle for the region.

The vetting committee, led by Nuru Hamidan, who also serves as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the State Transport Company, oversaw the exercise after candidates had submitted nominations online. Hamidan told Joy News that the process had been transparent and problem-free, with all 46 aspirants meeting the party's qualification standards.

What the candidates are saying

Among the frontrunners is the incumbent Regional Treasurer, Gapson Raphael Kofi, who is making a bid for the Regional Secretary position. Kofi has expressed confidence in his prospects, emphasising his record of integrity and truthfulness as assets that would serve the party well.

The outgoing Regional Secretary, Adaebsa Isaac, who currently leads the GRATIS Foundation, is stepping aside rather than seeking re-election. Isaac has praised the NDC's decision to bar executives currently holding government posts from contesting in the regional elections. He argues that such officials lack the time to effectively manage party structures, and that the region needs leaders with bandwidth to strengthen grassroots operations ahead of the 2028 general election.

Sulemana Mohammed Mustapha, the sitting Regional Communications Officer and another aspirant, has called for a respectful campaign atmosphere. He has urged delegates to reject candidates who resort to personal attacks and insults during the race, saying clean campaigns will help the party present itself as a disciplined, credible alternative government.

Why it matters for Ghana

The NDC's internal elections in Bono East reflect broader patterns of party renewal across Ghana's political landscape. The region, which includes Techiman where the polls will be held, is a key constituency in the party's electoral calculations. Leadership decisions made at the regional level ripple outward, influencing campaign strategies, grassroots mobilisation, and ultimately, voter engagement in general elections.

The decision to exclude sitting government officials from contesting reflects a philosophical shift within the party—prioritising dedicated party workers over those juggling dual responsibilities. This approach, if sustained, could reshape how the NDC operates between elections, potentially strengthening internal democracy and member engagement in non-election periods.

Additionally, the emphasis on clean campaigns by candidates such as Mustapha signals the NDC's awareness of voter fatigue with negative politics. As Ghana heads toward 2028, how parties conduct internal elections matters; they set the tone for how the party will campaign publicly and govern if returned to power.

What comes next

The November regional elections in Techiman will test the party's commitment to transparent, competitive internal processes. With all candidates cleared and the campaign season beginning, the NDC Bono East will be closely watched by national leadership as a barometer of party health and organisational capacity. The outcome could also signal to the broader NDC membership what kind of leadership the party values—whether experience, integrity, communication skill, or youth and renewal.