The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) six-month resignation deadline for government appointees seeking to contest positions at the party’s December 2026 national congress has expired, effectively sidelining several key officials under the party’s current rules.
The directive, announced by General Secretary Fifi Kwetey in January 2026 under Article 54 of the party’s constitution, requires ministers, deputy ministers, chief executive officers, managing directors, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives, and other presidential appointees to resign at least six clear months before filing nominations for party office. The measure was introduced to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
With the deadline now passed, none of the affected national executives serving in government has publicly resigned. The development suggests they may not be seeking re-election to their party positions unless the rules are amended or overturned by the courts.
Among those affected are Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment George Opare Addo, Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi, Youth Employment Agency CEO Malik Basintale, National Youth Authority CEO Osman Ayariga, Minerals Development Fund CEO Hanna Bissiw, National Service Authority Director-General Ruth Seddoh, Forestry Commission Deputy CEO Elikem Kotoko, and MASLOC CEO Abigail Elorm Mensah.
The issue, however, remains the subject of a legal challenge after an NDC member filed a case at the High Court on July 1, 2026, contesting the six-month resignation requirement. Until the court rules otherwise, the party’s directive remains in force, leaving affected government appointees ineligible to contest party positions under the current regulations.