Ofosu-Ampofo drops from NDC national chairmanship race, cites careful consideration

Former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has officially withdrawn from the party’s upcoming national chairmanship race, despite receiving considerable backing from supporters across the country.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, on his behalf by former Adentan Member of Parliament and Presidential Staffer, Kojo Adu-Asare, Ofosu-Ampofo said his decision followed careful consideration and was taken in the overriding interest of the party.

His withdrawal comes after supporters from all 16 regions of Ghana reportedly purchased nomination forms and paid the filing fees on his behalf to encourage him to contest for the influential position.

The former NDC chairman expressed profound gratitude to the supporters, describing their gesture as a remarkable demonstration of confidence, love and commitment to his leadership.

He explained that he had decided to focus on his existing responsibilities in government, particularly his position as Political Advisor to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and his role as Board Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

According to the statement, President John Dramani Mahama entrusted him with the two responsibilities, which are considered important to the government’s Resetting Agenda and the ongoing restructuring of Ghana’s cocoa industry.

Ofosu-Ampofo reaffirmed his commitment to the NDC, noting that his 34 years of experience in party politics and governance remained available to support the party whenever necessary.

He also congratulated newly elected constituency officers and urged party members and aspirants in the upcoming regional and national executive elections to uphold unity and mutual respect.

Ofosu-Ampofo served as NDC National Chairman from 2018 to 2022 before losing his re-election bid to Johnson Asiedu Nketia.

His decision not to contest leaves other aspirants, including Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, Chief Sofo Azorka and Nii Armah Ashitey, in the race.

The withdrawal marks a significant development in the NDC’s preparations for its national executive elections, particularly given the support he had received from party members across the country.

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