The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has commenced its Ashanti Regional Executive elections under heightened security at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, as party delegates gather to elect leaders who will steer the region’s affairs for the next four years. Corrections Policy
The election, taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, forms part of the party’s nationwide reorganisation ahead of its national executive elections scheduled for December.
Security has been significantly strengthened around the venue to maintain order, protect delegates and ensure that the voting process proceeds without disruption.
According to a reports, more than 1,000 security personnel have been deployed in and around the stadium. Security screening machines are also being used to inspect delegates, invited guests and media personnel before they are allowed into the election grounds.
These measures are intended to regulate access and prevent unauthorised individuals from entering designated areas.
The heavy security presence comes as the party seeks to conduct a peaceful and credible internal election in one of its politically significant regions.
The Ashanti Region has traditionally been a stronghold of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), making the NDC’s organisational strength and leadership choices there particularly important as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Key positions and candidates
The Ashanti Regional Executive elections will determine the party officers responsible for coordinating its activities, strengthening constituency structures, mobilising supporters and implementing decisions from the national leadership.
One of the major contests is the regional chairmanship race, which has attracted attention because incumbent chairman Augustus Nana Kwasi Andrews is seeking another term against Regional Organiser Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu.
The contest is expected to be closely watched by party members, particularly because the regional chairman plays an influential role in organising the party’s political activities and maintaining relationships among constituency executives, grassroots supporters and national officers.
A report identifies the chairmanship contest as a two horse race, with Andrews seeking a third term while Bonsu is attempting to take over the position.
The outcome could influence the direction of the party’s regional organisation as it prepares for the next electoral cycle. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The Ghana News Agency, reporting on the Ashanti Regional Elections Committee’s arrangements, said 48 aspirants would contest 11 positions at the main regional conference.
The positions include regional chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, deputy secretary, organiser, deputy organiser, treasurer, deputy treasurer, communications officer, deputy communications officer and Zongo Caucus coordinator.
Electoral Commission and police oversee the process
The Electoral Commission (EC) is expected to supervise the elections, while the Ghana Police Service is responsible for security arrangements.
A source reported that the NDC’s regional elections are being conducted across all 16 regions, with national party officers deployed to supervise the process.
The party’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Rashid Tanko Computer, indicated that logistical arrangements had been completed and election materials dispatched to the various regions ahead of the polls. Editorial Standards
The involvement of the Electoral Commission is intended to support an organised voting process, while police deployment is expected to help prevent disturbances and ensure that delegates can exercise their voting rights without intimidation.
The party has also introduced strict identification requirements. Delegates are expected to present approved identification documents for verification before being admitted to the voting area.
No proxy voting as NDC enforces election rules
Another important feature of the regional elections is the prohibition of proxy voting. Under guidelines issued by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, eligible delegates must be physically present to cast their ballots.
The approved identification documents include a valid NDC membership card, an official accreditation document or an embossed photograph captured in the approved voters’ register. The rules are intended to ensure that only recognised delegates participate in the election.
The party has further stated that personal security details accompanying government officials and other individuals will not be permitted within designated voting areas.
The Ghana Police Service is to have sole responsibility for maintaining security at the election centres.
According to reports, voting across the regions is scheduled to run from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with delegates already in queues at closing time allowed to vote.
A crucial stage in the party’s reorganisation
The Ashanti Regional Executive elections represent an important stage in the NDC’s efforts to strengthen its internal structures following branch and constituency-level elections.
The party has been reorganising its structures from the grassroots upwards, with the regional polls serving as a step towards the national executive elections scheduled for December 19, 2026.
The newly elected regional executives will be expected to coordinate party activities, address organisational challenges, strengthen communication with constituency officers and mobilise support ahead of the 2028 general elections.
For the NDC in the Ashanti Region, the leadership choices will carry particular significance. The party will need a united and effective regional team capable of consolidating its support base, engaging communities and improving its competitiveness in a region where it has historically faced strong opposition.
With extensive security arrangements in place at Baba Yara Stadium, attention will remain on the conduct of the election, the level of participation among delegates and the eventual outcome of the contest.
The peaceful conclusion of the process will be important not only for the credibility of the regional elections but also for maintaining unity within the party as it prepares for the next phase of its political organisation.