NDC regional executive elections: The chairmen who retained their seats and those who lost

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected regional chairmen in 13 of Ghana’s 16 regions following its 2026 regional executive elections held on Saturday, November 14. Results from the Central, Oti and Savannah regions are still pending, with the Central Region contest yet to be formally declared. The elections produced notable changes in some regional leadership positions, while several incumbent chairmen retained their seats.

In some regions, voting was delayed. In Ashanti, heightened security at the election centre meant voting had not started by early afternoon, although the contest was subsequently concluded. Key outcomes from the regional contests Greater Accra: Benjamin Danso unseated incumbent Regional Chairman Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore in one of the major upsets of the elections.

Northern Region: Godfred Apasinaba Wumbei won the chairmanship with 328 votes, defeating Alhaji Tanko Maida, who received 236. Ashanti Region: Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi retained the chairmanship with 814 votes, ahead of former Regional Organiser Isham Alhassan Yaw Bonsu, who polled 622. Upper East Region: Alhaji Bolnaba secured another term with a 220-vote margin.

He has led the region since December 2005. Bono Region: Nyamekye-Marfo secured more than 90 per cent of the votes. He had previously been returned unopposed in 2018 and 2022, making this his first contested regional chairmanship election. Upper West Region: Alhaji Alhassan Adam, popularly known as Randy, defeated incumbent Abdul Nasir Saani Bunas to become the new Regional Chairman.

Randy polled 196 votes against Bunas’ 164, while Sombawiere Samba Sankara received 28. Randy’s victory came four years after he lost to Bunas in the 2022 regional elections. Western Region: Nana Kojo Toku retained the chairmanship after securing 225 votes. He defeated Samuel Kwame Borlu, who polled 209, while George Arthur received 114 votes. His re-election followed a petition by the Apinto royal family, which had asked the party to bar him from contesting on the grounds that he is a gazetted chief and that the NDC Constitution prohibits chiefs from active party politics.

Ahafo Region: Owusu Nkrumah Ababio has been elected the new Regional Chairman after defeating two other contenders in the elections held at Nana Bosomprah Park in Goaso. Mr Ababio secured 106 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Joseph Baradoe, who polled 94. Ahmed Ali Awinbila received three votes. Central Region: The outcome remains undeclared.

Incumbent Chairman Richard Asiedu has demanded a recount following reports that he lost the contest. How the elections were conducted The Electoral Commission conducted the polls, while the police provided security. Delegates were required to vote in person, as proxy voting was not permitted. The youth and women’s organisers and their deputies were elected at separate wing conferences, most of which took place on Friday, November 13.

In Greater Accra, Mohammed Abdul Muqmin Juda won the Youth Organiser position with 103 votes against 26 for his closest contender. The main regional conferences elected the remaining executives, including vice-chairmen, secretaries, organisers, treasurers, communications officers and Zongo Caucus coordinators. Delegates included constituency executives, regional Members of Parliament, ministers, district chief executives and party elders.

National Congress next The regional elections form part of the NDC’s internal reorganisation ahead of the 2028 general elections. The party is expected to hold its National Congress on December 19, 2026, to elect its national officers. Ahead of the congress, Chief of Staff Dr Julius Debrah urged successful candidates to work with those they defeated to promote unity within the party.

Campaigning for the national positions has also begun, with Akwasi Oppong Fosu among those seeking the national chairmanship.