Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo has ruled himself out of the race for National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, saying his current responsibilities in government and at the Ghana Cocoa Board informed his decision.
The former NDC chairman, who serves as Political Advisor to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Board Chairman of COCOBOD, announced that he would not proceed with his participation in the contest.
A statement issued on his behalf said he had taken the decision after careful consideration and in the interest of the party.
It explained that President John Dramani Mahama had entrusted him with two important responsibilities, including providing political advisory support to the Office of the Vice President and offering leadership oversight for the restructuring of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
“These responsibilities are significant to the successful implementation of the government’s resetting agenda and the delivery of the promises made to the people of Ghana under the NDC mandate,” the statement said.
It added that he remained committed to discharging both responsibilities with dedication and integrity.
The announcement comes after supporters from all 16 regions purchased nomination forms and paid the filing fees for him to contest the NDC’s top executive position.
Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo expressed gratitude to the supporters, describing their gesture as a remarkable expression of confidence and goodwill.
He, however, said his withdrawal would not affect his commitment to the party.
“He firmly believes that the strength of the NDC lies in its collective experience, unity, institutional memory and shared commitment to its ideals,” the statement said.
The decision comes ahead of the NDC’s National Delegates Congress scheduled for December 19, 2026, when the party is expected to elect new national executives.
Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo previously led the party as National Chairman from 2018 to 2022, when he lost the position to Johnson Asiedu Nketia.
He has since remained active in the party and government, with the statement reaffirming his willingness to make his experience available whenever the NDC requires his support.
