By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed all party members and interest groups to immediately cease any form of premature presidential campaign activities within the party, emphasizing the need for unity and focus on governance.
The directive was announced in a statement issued after a meeting between the Council of Elders and President John Dramani Mahama, who also serves as the Leader of the NDC. The meeting focused on matters relating to party cohesion, discipline, and the collective responsibility of members in supporting the government’s ongoing development agenda.
According to the Council, concerns have been growing within sections of the party and the wider public over reports of early presidential campaign activities being undertaken by individuals and groups ahead of the party’s official processes for selecting its next presidential candidate.
The Council stressed that the NDC’s immediate priority is to deliver on the mandate entrusted to it by the Ghanaian people. It noted that the government remains focused on implementing its “Resetting Agenda,” aimed at rebuilding the economy, strengthening institutions, and improving the lives of citizens.
“The party is currently focused on delivering on its commitments to Ghanaians,” the statement emphasized. “Members are expected to devote their energies, resources, and commitment to supporting the government’s efforts rather than engaging in activities that could create division, distraction, or unnecessary internal competition.”
The Council also cited Article 42 of the NDC Constitution, which outlines the timelines and procedures for electing the party’s presidential candidate. It explained that the National Executive Committee (NEC) is solely responsible for determining the date and venue for presidential primaries and that the appropriate constitutional processes have not yet been activated.
As a result, the Council declared that no individual, group, or interest bloc is authorized to undertake, promote, or support any form of presidential campaign, whether directly or indirectly, until the party officially announces its timetable and guidelines for the conduct of presidential primaries.
The directive covers all forms of campaign-related activities, including mobilization efforts, endorsements, publicity campaigns, and other actions intended to advance the presidential ambitions of prospective candidates.
The Council further instructed all persons currently engaged in such activities to halt them immediately.
Reaffirming its commitment to party unity, the Council called on members to remain focused on strengthening the NDC, supporting President Mahama’s administration, and working collectively toward fulfilling the expectations of the Ghanaian people.
The statement is expected to calm growing speculation about potential contenders for the party’s future presidential ticket while reinforcing the leadership’s message that governance and national development must take precedence over internal political contests.
