The Accra High Court has dismissed a suit seeking to stop the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from enforcing a directive requiring government appointees seeking internal party positions to resign from their appointments at least six months before the party’s regional and national elections.
The General Jurisdiction 8 of the High Court, presided over by Justice Sedina Agbamava, threw out the action, clearing the way for the ruling party to enforce its guidelines for the 2026 internal elections.
The guidelines, approved by the NDC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), affect ministers, chief executive officers, managing directors and other government appointees who intend to contest for positions at the regional and national levels of the party.
The court action followed disagreements within the NDC over the directive, with some appointees reportedly opposed to relinquishing their government positions before contesting for party offices.
NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey has previously defended the requirement as a measure to ensure fairness in the party’s internal contests and prevent government appointees from gaining an undue advantage over other aspirants.
National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia has also backed the policy, maintaining that it is intended to create balance between government and party responsibilities while opening opportunities for other members of the NDC to serve in government.
The directive has, however, generated debate within the party, with critics questioning its application and pointing to previous instances where senior NDC members simultaneously occupied public and party positions.
Supporters of the policy argue that the new guidelines must be enforced uniformly to ensure discipline and a level playing field in the upcoming internal elections.
With the suit dismissed, the NDC can proceed with the implementation of the six-month resignation requirement as it prepares for its 2026 regional and national elections.
