The race for the Ashanti Regional chairmanship of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is heating up, with a tight contest expected between the incumbent, Augustus Nana Kwasi Andrews and the Regional Organiser, Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu.
A total of 65 aspirants have been cleared to contest the regional executive election after the close of nominations and the vetting process. Two aspirants who were initially disqualified appealed and their appeals were upheld, returning them to the race.
Two-horse race
Unlike other positions with many contenders, the chairmanship is a contest between two party stalwarts.
Mr Andrews, who is seeking a third term, enters the race with optimism.
Under his leadership, the party secured more than 30 per cent of the presidential votes in the region and seven parliamentary seats, contributing to the NDC's historic victory in the 2024 general election.
Mr Bonsu, the current Regional Organiser, describes himself as a grassroots person who has served the party in various capacities.
He believes he has gathered enough political experience to lead the NDC into the 2028 election.
Neither candidate is taking anything for granted. The outcome will be a defining moment for the party as it seeks to consolidate its gains ahead of 2028.
Campaigns
With the clock ticking, both candidates have intensified their campaigns, visiting delegates in their constituencies to sell their messages and win their support.
As is typical of elections, major streets and public spaces have been decorated with posters and billboards of the two aspirants, raising the political temperature among party supporters and sympathisers.
With about a week to the election, the campaign has entered its decisive phase, with both camps doing everything possible to convince delegates to vote for their candidate.
Other contests
Beyond the chairmanship, the position of regional secretary is also expected to be keenly contested among three aspirants.
They are the Deputy Secretary, Daniel Baah Acheamfour, who wants to succeed Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Regional Minister, who is not seeking re-election, as well as Elvis Abima Koka and Samuel Duku Sarfo.
Task ahead
Whoever wins the chairmanship will face the herculean task of solidifying the party's base and increasing the NDC's presidential votes and parliamentary seats in the next general election.
Political watchers gave Mr Andrews an edge over his closest contender, citing his appeal to the rank and file and his record of leading the party to unprecedented results.
Mr Bonsu, however, says his work as Regional Organiser was key to the party's victory in the last election, and he expects delegates to give him the nod to lead the party.
Background
The regional executive election of the NDC is slated for November 14 and 15, 2026, per the party’s timetable across all 16 regions in the country, with the youth and women’s organisers' elections scheduled to take place a day before the election of the other regional executives.
