Former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has officially withdrawn from the party’s upcoming national chairmanship election, citing his commitment to serving the party and the government in other capacities.
His decision ends weeks of speculation about his possible return to the position, after supporters from all 16 regions of Ghana reportedly purchased nomination forms and paid the filing fees on his behalf.
In a statement announcing his withdrawal from the NDC national chairmanship race, the former party chairman expressed gratitude to supporters who had demonstrated confidence in his leadership but said he has decided not to proceed with his candidature in the overriding interest of the party.
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“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.
The statement disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had entrusted him with two significant responsibilities within government, which require his full attention and commitment.
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo currently serves as Political Advisor to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Board Chairman of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
At COCOBOD, he is expected to provide oversight for the ongoing restructuring of Ghana’s cocoa industry, a critical sector of the national economy.
According to the statement, these responsibilities are important to the successful implementation of the government’s resetting agenda and the delivery of its promises to Ghanaians.
He has therefore decided to concentrate on discharging the assignments with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.
Despite withdrawing from the NDC national chairmanship contest, Dr Ofosu-Ampofo reaffirmed his commitment to the party, stressing that his 34 years of experience in party politics and governance remained available to support its development.
He also appealed to party members and aspirants to maintain unity, mutual respect and discipline throughout the ongoing internal electoral processes.
“The strength of the NDC lies in its collective experience, unity, institutional memory and shared commitment to its ideals,” the statement added.
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo served as NDC National Chairman from 2018 to 2022 before losing his re-election bid to Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who currently leads the party.
His withdrawal leaves four prominent politicians in the contest for the national chairmanship position.
They are former Odododiodio MP Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, former Local Government Minister Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, incumbent National Vice Chairman Chief Sofo Azorka, and former Klottey Korle MP Nii Armah Ashitey.
The NDC is expected to close nominations for its national executive elections on Monday, November 9, 2026, as preparations intensify for the party’s internal electoral contest.