The Presiding Member (PM) of the Ellembelle District Assembly, Charles Kwesi, has pulled off a major upset to emerge as the new Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ellembelle Constituency.

Charles Kwesi, a three-term Assembly Member for the Tandan Electoral Area, polled 808 votes, representing 59.24 per cent, to defeat Lord Arthur, who secured 556 votes, representing 40.76 per cent.

The contest was among the most keenly contested positions in the Ellembelle Constituency executive elections held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli Memorial Park in Ampain.

Ahead of the polls, an independent opinion poll conducted by the United Western Election Eye had projected a commanding lead for Lord Arthur, who was expected to secure 513 votes.

However, the poll also indicated that a significant bloc of 373 delegates had decided to keep their voting preferences secret, making the race unpredictable.

That silent bloc appears to have swung the election decisively in favour of Charles Kwesi, defying the poll's projection.

According to the official declaration by the Returning Officer, Pearl F. Klutse, a total of 1,364 valid votes were cast, representing 99.78 per cent of the total votes. Three ballots were rejected, representing 0.22 per cent, bringing the total number of votes cast to 1,367.

Charles Kwesi began his constituency-level political journey as a serial caller in 2011 and has since risen to become one of the party's dedicated grassroots organisers.

Speaking after his victory was declared, he dedicated the win to Almighty God for protecting him throughout the campaign.

He also thanked the delegates for the confidence they had reposed in him and pledged to work with all party members to make the NDC more attractive and formidable ahead of the 2028 general elections.

He further promised to protect the party's integrity in the constituency and respect every member, regardless of whom they supported during the elections.

“My doors are open to everyone. I will be a Secretary for all, and together with Chairman Vanda and the rest of the executives, we will protect the party and ensure every member is respected and valued,” he stated.

Some branch executives who spoke to Daniel Kaku congratulated Kwesi on his victory and urged him to work closely with them to build a strong grassroots foundation, with the aim of securing a renewed mandate at the end of his four-year term.

They also pledged to work tirelessly with him to retain the Ellembelle parliamentary seat.

The position became vacant after the incumbent Secretary, Joseph Agyekum, who is now the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ellembelle, decided not to contest.