The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has disqualified three aspirants each in the Northern and Ashanti regions following vetting exercises ahead of the party’s upcoming regional executive elections.
In the Northern Region, three out of 51 aspirants seeking various executive positions were disqualified, although the decision has raised concerns among some contestants over the eligibility of candidates cleared to contest.
Deputy Regional Communications Officer aspirant Abdallah Abu Safianu questioned the clearance of some candidates, arguing that they did not meet the eligibility requirements under the party’s constitution.
He cited Article 8, Clause 2(1), which he said requires aspirants seeking regional executive positions to have previously held office at the branch or tertiary level.
However, other aspirants described the Northern Region vetting exercise as smooth and transparent, expressing confidence in their chances of winning their respective positions.
Chairman of the Northern Regional Vetting Committee, Baba Jamal, advised aspirants dissatisfied with the outcome to channel their grievances through the party’s Appeals Committee.
He also urged contestants to campaign peacefully and avoid placing campaign posters indiscriminately, particularly on highways and road signs.
In the Ashanti Region, three aspirants were also disqualified after a two-day vetting exercise involving 65 candidates contesting various regional executive positions.
Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Vetting Committee, Yaw Gyan Boateng, told the media that the affected aspirants were disqualified for reasons described as undisclosed and technical.
He indicated, however, that the aspirants could address the issues identified by the committee and return to resolve their shortcomings before the election deadline.
The vetting exercises form part of the NDC’s preparations to elect regional executives, with aspirants in both regions expected to contest for various leadership positions.
Some contestants in the Northern Region have also called for unity within the party, saying internal cohesion will be important to the NDC’s efforts to reclaim constituencies currently held by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2028 general elections.
