The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reinstated Happy Ogbo Maccarthy Darku to contest for the Greater Accra Regional Women’s Organizer position following an appeal against her disqualification by the regional vetting committee.
Happy, who is seeking to become the party’s next Regional Women’s Organizer, was disqualified after appearing before the Greater Accra Regional Vetting Committee on October 16, 2026.
In a disqualification letter dated October 17, 2026, the committee stated that she did not qualify under Rule 7.0 of the 2026 NDC internal party elections guidelines.
The committee explained that Happy had not held an executive position at any level of the party or government to qualify her to contest for the position of Regional Executive Officer.
However, the decision sparked controversy among some party faithful, who questioned the basis for her disqualification and raised concerns about the consistent application of the party’s internal election guidelines.
Following the decision, Happy filed an appeal with the Regional Elections Appeal Committee, which subsequently referred the matter to the party’s national headquarters for consideration.
The NDC’s Functional Executive Committee met on Monday and reportedly cleared and reinstated her, paving the way for her to participate in the Greater Accra Regional Women’s Organizer contest.
Contrary to the position taken by the regional vetting committee, Happy Ogbo Maccarthy Darku is reported to have served as a branch treasurer in 2004. She is also a serving board member of the National Population Council and was a member of the Gender Committee during the NDC’s 2024 election campaign.
Her continued service on the board of the National Population Council adds another dimension to the controversy surrounding her disqualification and the interpretation of the party’s internal election guidelines.”These roles have become central to questions surrounding the original decision to disqualify her, particularly whether her previous service and contributions to the party and public institutions were adequately considered during the vetting process.
Happy’s disqualification had generated suspicion among some party supporters, with some alleging possible foul play and suggesting that a competing candidate might have benefited from her exclusion. However, no evidence has been publicly established to substantiate those allegations.
A close source to Happy confirmed to this portal that she had been reinstated and was expected to commence her official campaign next week.
Her reinstatement is expected to reopen the contest for the Greater Accra Regional Women’s Organizer position and intensify competition among aspirants ahead of the regional elections.
Happy previously contested the same position in 2022 but lost to the incumbent Regional Women’s Organizer, Felicia Bortey. It is, however, important to note that the NDC has not yet issued an official statement confirming Happy Ogbo Maccarthy Darku’s reinstatement.
Nevertheless, multiple credible sources within the party have independently confirmed to this portal that the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) took the decision to clear and reinstate her to contest for the Greater Accra Regional Women’s Organizer position.
The portal understands that Happy is expected to commence her official campaign next week following the reported decision.
Her return to the race follows an appeal process that has placed the spotlight on the interpretation and application of the NDC’s internal election guidelines, as the party prepares for its next round of internal elections.
