Former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has announced his decision not to contest the party’s upcoming National Chairmanship election, despite receiving considerable support from party members across all 16 regions of the country.
The decision follows efforts by some party supporters who had purchased nomination forms and paid the required filing fees on his behalf in an attempt to secure his return to the party’s top leadership position.
In a statement issued on his behalf on Monday, November 9, 2026, by former Adentan Member of Parliament and Presidential Staffer, Kojo Adu-Asare, Dr Ofosu-Ampofo expressed profound appreciation to the supporters for their confidence in his leadership and commitment to his political ambitions.
He described the gesture as a remarkable demonstration of love, confidence and support from the rank and file of the party, adding that he considered their efforts a great honour.
However, after careful consideration, the former NDC chairman said he has decided against entering the race, citing the overriding interest of the party and his commitment to serving the NDC and the country in other capacities.
“After careful consideration, Hon. Dr Ofosu-Ampofo has decided not to proceed with his participation in the NDC National Chairmanship race, a decision he has taken in the overriding interest of the party and his commitment to serving the party and the nation in other capacities,” the statement said.
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo also pointed to two important responsibilities entrusted to him by President John Dramani Mahama, which he said remained significant to the government’s agenda.
He currently serves as Political Advisor to the Office of the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and Chairman of the Board of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
At COCOBOD, he provides leadership oversight for the ongoing restructuring of Ghana’s cocoa industry, while his advisory role involves supporting the Office of the Vice President.
According to the statement, the two assignments are important to the successful implementation of the government’s resetting agenda and the fulfilment of commitments made to Ghanaians under the NDC administration.
The former chairman has consequently pledged to continue discharging his responsibilities with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of duty.
Despite opting out of the chairmanship contest, Dr Ofosu-Ampofo has reaffirmed his commitment to the NDC, insisting that his decision does not signal a withdrawal from active party affairs.
He highlighted his 34 years of experience in party politics and governance, indicating his willingness to make his knowledge, experience and institutional understanding available to the party whenever his services are required.
He also congratulated newly elected constituency officers and extended his best wishes to aspirants preparing to contest the forthcoming regional and national executive positions.
The former chairman further urged party members to conduct themselves with unity, mutual respect and a commitment to the collective interests of the NDC throughout the internal electoral process.
He maintained that the party’s strength lies in its collective experience, institutional memory, unity and shared commitment to its ideals.
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo served as National Chairman of the NDC from 2018 to 2022 before losing his re-election bid to Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who subsequently assumed leadership of the party.
His decision not to contest the upcoming election ends speculation about a possible return to the position, particularly following reports that supporters from across the country had taken steps to facilitate his candidature.
His withdrawal is also a significant development in the NDC’s ongoing preparations to elect new national executives.
Among the personalities seeking the National Chairmanship position are former Odododiodio Member of Parliament Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, former Minister for Local Government Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, incumbent National Vice Chairman Chief Sofo Azorka and former Klottey Korle MP Nii Armah Ashitey.
The NDC is scheduled to hold its national executive elections on December 19, 2026, as part of efforts to renew its leadership and strengthen the party’s organisational structures.
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo has expressed optimism about continuing to contribute to the party’s growth, unity and electoral fortunes, while urging members to place the collective interest of the NDC above individual ambitions.
By 1960news.com
