The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed all party members and groups engaged in early presidential campaign activities to stop immediately.

The directive follows a meeting between the Council of Elders and President John Dramani Mahama, who is also the leader of the party, on May 29, 2026.

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In a statement issued after the meeting, the Council said it had observed growing concerns within the party and among the public over reports of premature presidential campaigns and related political activities by some individuals and groups.

The Council stressed that the party's current focus is on supporting the government to deliver on its mandate and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

“The Council wishes to remind all members that the NDC is currently focused on delivering on the mandate entrusted to it by the people of Ghana. At this critical stage of national reconstruction and renewal, every member of the Party is expected to devote his or her energies, resources, and commitment to supporting the Government’s efforts to reset the country and improve the lives of Ghanaians, rather than engaging in activities that have the potential to create division, distraction, or unnecessary internal competition,” potions of the statement said.

The Council also cited Article 42 of the NDC Constitution, which outlines the timelines for electing a presidential candidate.

“The date and venue for the election of the Presidential Candidate shall be decided by the National Executive Committee (NEC), but that election shall take place at least twelve (12) months before a national election date if the Party is in power and at least twenty-four (24) months if the Party is not in power,” it stated.

According to the Council, no individual, group or interest bloc has been authorised to undertake or promote any form of presidential campaign until the appropriate constitutional processes have been initiated and the National Executive Committee announces the timetable for presidential primaries.

“The Council emphasises that, until the appropriate constitutional processes have been initiated and the National Executive Committee has determined the timetable and guidelines for the conduct of presidential primaries, no individual, group, or interest bloc is authorised to undertake or promote any form of presidential campaign, whether directly or indirectly,” the statement noted.

The Council subsequently directed all persons involved in such activities to stop.

“Accordingly, the Council of Elders directs all persons engaged in such activities to cease forthwith. These include all forms of campaigning, mobilisation, endorsements, publicity, or related activities intended to advance the presidential ambitions of any prospective candidate,” it said.

Focus on governance instead of early succession politics - Koomson to NDC

The Council further called on party members to remain united and support the government's agenda.

“The time for internal contests will come. For now, our collective responsibility is to serve the nation and successfully implement the mandate entrusted to us,” the statement added.

Read the statement below:





MAG/VPO

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