Former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has formally withdrawn from the party’s upcoming national chairmanship election, citing his commitment to serving the party and government in other roles. The announcement confirms speculation that he would not seek a return to the position after extensive consultations with senior figures within the party and government.Dr Ofosu-Ampofo was widely tipped to contest after supporters from all 16 regions reportedly purchased nomination forms and paid his filing fees. However, in a statement announcing his decision, he thanked his supporters for their confidence in his leadership but explained that he was stepping aside in the overriding interest of the party. He said his decision followed careful reflection and his desire to continue serving the party and the nation in other capacities.
The statement further revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has assigned him two major responsibilities in government that demand his full attention. He currently serves as Political Advisor to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and as Board Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), where he oversees the ongoing restructuring of the cocoa sector. According to the statement, these roles are crucial to the successful implementation of government’s resetting agenda and the delivery of its promises to Ghanaians.
Despite his withdrawal, Dr Ofosu-Ampofo reaffirmed his loyalty to the NDC, noting that his 34 years of experience in party politics and governance remain available to support the party. He urged members and aspirants to conduct themselves with unity and mutual respect throughout the internal electoral process, stressing that the party’s strength lies in its collective experience, unity, institutional memory and shared commitment to its ideals. He served as National Chairman from 2018 to 2022, when he lost his re-election bid to incumbent Johnson Asiedu Nketia. His exit leaves four contenders in the race, including Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, Chief Sofo Azorka and Nii Armah Ashitey.
