An Accra High Court has dismissed a legal challenge seeking to block the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from requiring political appointees to resign six months prior to running in internal party elections.
The decision, handed down on July 23 by Justice Sedina Agbamava of General Jurisdiction Division 8, clears the way for the NDC to fully implement its 2026 internal election guidelines as approved by its National Executive Committee (NEC).
Under the ruling, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs, Managing Directors, MMDCEs, and other equivalent public appointees must step down at least six clear months before submitting their nomination forms for regional or national executive posts.
The policy was initially announced on January 29, 2026, by NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey under Article 54 of the party’s constitution.
“Any person seeking to contest for a party position who currently holds an office to which he or she was appointed by the President or government must resign from that office at least six clear months before filing nomination claims,” Kwetey previously stated, emphasizing the rule ensures a level playing field and prevents incumbents from utilizing public resources for campaign advantages.
The guideline specifically exempts board chairpersons and members of governing boards. With legal hurdles removed, affected appointees seeking party positions must comply ahead of the party’s National Congress set for December 19, 2026, with nominations closing on November 9, 2026.
