Communications Team member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prince Kumah, has defended the party’s recent directive barring serving government appointees from contesting internal executive positions unless they resign, describing it as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the party’s chances of winning future elections.
Speaking on ABC in the Morning, Prince Kumah explained that the decision was informed by concerns that the level of commitment from some party leaders who currently hold government appointments has reduced.
According to him, the party’s leadership took the decision to ensure that individuals vying for key party positions are fully focused on party organisation and mobilisation, particularly as the NDC begins its nationwide reorganisation exercise.
“It has to do with focusing on making the party win,” he stated, adding that the party cannot afford divided attention at a time when it is rebuilding its structures.
Prince Kumah was emphatic that the directive is not motivated by ill will or internal witch-hunting, dismissing claims of hidden agendas behind the move.
“There are no malicious intentions,” he said, stressing that the decision is purely organisational and strategic in nature.
The comments follow the announcement by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, that all serving government appointees are barred from contesting for executive positions within the NDC unless they resign from their appointments. The directive was unveiled at a press conference on Thursday, January 29, as part of measures ahead of the party’s reorganisation, which commenced on January 30.
Under the new rules, any government appointee seeking to contest a party position must resign at least six months before filing nomination forms. The restriction applies to ministers and deputy ministers, chief executive officers and their deputies, as well as metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives. However, board chairpersons and members are exempt from the directive.
Prince Kumah noted that such decisions are common in political parties seeking to sharpen their focus and improve internal efficiency, insisting that the NDC’s action is guided by the broader objective of unity, discipline and electoral success.
He added that the party remains committed to transparency and fairness as it reorganises its structures nationwide, urging members to view the directive as a necessary step towards building a stronger and more competitive party.
However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has scheduled a Congress for December 19, 2026, to elect its next National Executive Committee.
