NDC Internal Elections Turn Contentious as Regional Chairmen Retain Seats Amid Isolated Chaos

Introduction

Tensions have flared across several regions in Ghana as the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) conducts its internal elections to elect new regional executive officers. While several incumbent chairmen successfully defended their positions, the polls were marred by isolated incidents of violence, leading to at least one arrest and property destruction.

Key Takeaways

• Eastern Regional Chairman Mark Oliver Kevor and Bono Regional Chairman Nyamekye-Marfo successfully retained their positions with commanding victories.
• In the Bono East Region, incumbent Chairman Unas Owusu lost his re-election bid to Ali Abubakari Donkor.
• Party leadership, including General Secretary Asiedu Nketiah, issued stern warnings against electoral malpractice, calling for the immediate arrest of anyone engaging in vote-buying.
• Police intervened in the Northern Region after chaos erupted over disputed treasury results, resulting in destroyed chairs and one arrest.

Regional Showdowns and Incumbent Victories

The internal polls have drawn significant national attention as the party reorganizes ahead of future electoral cycles. In the Eastern Region, Mark Oliver Kevor successfully held onto his chairmanship, while in the Bono Region, Nyamekye-Marfo cruised to victory, securing over 90 percent of the total votes cast.

However, the transition of power was not seamless everywhere. The Bono East Region saw an upset as incumbent Chairman Unas Owusu was unseated by Ali Abubakari Donkor. Meanwhile, the North East Region elected a former Regional Minister to the crucial post of Regional Secretary.

Security and Leadership Intervention

Addressing the media amid reports of malpractice, NDC General Secretary Asiedu Nketiah adopted a zero-tolerance stance, urging law enforcement to arrest any individual attempting to influence delegates through vote-buying.

Despite these preventative calls, security forces were forced to step in during the Northern Region polls. Disputed outcomes regarding the treasurer position sparked clashes among supporters, resulting in vandalized property and the arrest of at least one individual. Party executives are reviewing the incidents to ensure stability across all remaining branches as the internal reorganization continues.