Chairman Nana Akwasi
Some supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region have thrown their weight behind the re-election bid of the incumbent Regional Chairman, Augustus Andrews, popularly known as Nana Akwasi, ahead of the party’s regional executive elections.
The supporters, who spoke in separate interviews with the DAILY GUIDE in parts of the region, appealed to delegates to retain Mr. Andrews for another term, citing what they described as his contributions to the party’s electoral fortunes and organisational growth in the Ashanti Region.
Nana Akwasi is seeking another term in office and faces competition from the party’s Regional Organiser, Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu, who is also aspiring to lead the regional party structure.
The chairmanship contest has emerged as one of the major attractions of the forthcoming elections, with both candidates seeking the mandate of delegates to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.
According to some of the supporters, Nana Akwasi’s tenure has witnessed an improvement in the NDC’s parliamentary representation in the Ashanti Region, traditionally regarded as a stronghold of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
They argued that the incumbent chairman had played a significant role in expanding the party’s electoral fortunes and increasing its parliamentary representation, adding that his experience should be considered in the choice of the next regional leadership.
They also pointed to the party’s performance in the 2024 general election, when the NDC increased its parliamentary seats in the region from four in 2020 to seven.
Nana Akwasi, who was first elected regional chairman in 2018, has consistently maintained that his leadership has contributed to the party’s gradual expansion in the region.
He has 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.
The incumbent, who is seeking a third term, has made continuity, experience and strengthening the party’s grassroots structures central to his campaign.
He has also outlined 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.
However, his challenger, Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu, is equally seeking to convince delegates that he has the organisational experience required to lead the party.
Mr. Bonsu, who currently serves as Regional Organiser, has also been involved in the party’s organisational activities and is seeking to translate his experience into the chairmanship position.
The Ashanti Regional Elections Committee has scheduled the Regional Youth and Women Conferences for Friday, November 13, at the Ahensan Youth Centre in Kumasi.
The main regional executive elections will take place on Saturday, November 14, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, with 48 aspirants contesting 11 executive positions.
The positions include Regional Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Regional Organiser, Deputy Organiser, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, Communications Officer, Deputy Communications Officer and Zongo Caucus Coordinator.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana is expected to 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 towards the 2028 general election.
Meanwhile, some of the supporters interviewed by the DAILY GUIDE expressed confidence in Nana Akwasi’s bid, insisting that his record and experience should form an important part of the considerations of delegates.
They urged all aspirants and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and put the unity of the party above individual ambitions.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi