The incumbent Upper East Regional Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Abdulai Mumuni Bolnaba, has secured another term in office after defeating his challenger, Duncan Nsoh Ghaneba, in the party's regional executive elections.
Alhaji Bolnaba polled 371 votes to beat Mr Ghaneba, who obtained 151 votes, giving the incumbent a commanding 220-vote margin.
The victory extends Alhaji Bolnaba's leadership of the party in the region, which began in 2005, making him one of the longest-serving regional chairmen of the party.
The election, held at the GNAT Hall in Bolgatanga on Saturday, November 14, attracted 570 delegates who were expected to elect executives to steer the affairs of the party in the region.
The contest formed part of the NDC's nationwide regional executive elections ahead of the party's national executive elections.
Long-standing leadership retained
Alhaji Bolnaba's victory consolidates his position within the regional party structure after more than two decades at the helm.
He first assumed the chairmanship in December 2005 after defeating the then incumbent, Alhaji Patience Abubakari, and has since maintained his position through successive regional elections.
Contest for key positions
In the contest for the Vice-Chairmanship, Issaka Haruna emerged victorious with 171 votes, beating three other contestants, including Akasoba Clement Anabire, who polled 145 votes, James Kojo B. Kopanamo, 116 votes, and Abubakari Salifu Atongo, 92 votes.
The former Upper East Regional Communications Director, Jonathan Abdalla Salifu, won the Regional Secretary position with 303 votes, defeating Pallas Apuakasi, who secured 133 votes, James Gbandan Konzabre, 60 votes, and Alexis Adugdaa Ayamdor, 28 votes.
For the Deputy Secretary position, John Akutam polled 190 votes to emerge winner, narrowly beating Solomon Azomyan, who obtained 181 votes. Aiden Adafula secured 54 votes, Rufai M. Zubeiru, 51 votes, Maclean Ayamga, 23 votes, and Iddrisu Alalbilla, 20 votes.
John Assibi Nyaaba won the Deputy Organiser position with 271 votes, beating Suilamana Bielbiel, who polled 175 votes, and Sampana Zure Abass, who obtained 73 votes.
Women and youth leadership
In the contest for Regional Treasurer, Fidelis Akanyani emerged winner with 246 votes, followed by Monica Anachiiinaba with 144 votes. James Avokbilla secured 54 votes, Justice Aduko, 53 votes, and Nyaaba Patrick Ayuusah, 23 votes.
Amoliga David won the Deputy Treasurer position with 201 votes, while Mr Issah Tammu obtained 168 votes and Mr Abubakari Ayariga Hamidu secured 151 votes.
For the Youth Organiser position, Samari Samson Eliasu polled 29 votes to beat Prosper Adongo, who obtained 24 votes, and Alfred Awuni, who secured four votes.
Fazia Quidad Yakubu won the Women's Organiser position with 32 votes against Madam Vida Caroline Kurugu's 12 votes.
In the Deputy Women's Organiser contest, Madam Cynthia Atoko emerged winner with 22 votes, followed by Madam Rebecca Assibi Akologo with 15 votes, Madam Martha Pok-Anto Winne, three votes, Madam Monica Bakiva, two votes, and Mariama Musah, one vote.
Other positions
For the Zongo Caucus Coordinator position, Mr Salifu Alukuba polled 216 votes to beat Alhassan Nasir, who obtained 125 votes, and Alhaji Hudu Yahaya, who secured 179 votes.
Mr Yasaana Ibrahim Mutawakilu was elected unopposed as Regional Organiser, while Mr Gasper Sunday Webakur also went unopposed for the Communications Officer position.
The elected Vice-Chairman, Issaka Haruna, speaking on behalf of the new executives, said all contestants were winners and urged everyone to come on board to work towards the betterment of the party.
