Twenty-four seats. One resignation rule. Less than five months to determine the next chapter of the National Democratic Congress' national leadership. The deadline for government appointees seeking re-election has passed; nine executive positions could be up for grabs ahead of the December 19 national executive elections.

An analysis of the NDC's current national executive leadership shows that 10 of the 24 national executives and National Executive Committee (NEC) members reviewed, representing about42%, currently hold government appointments.

Of these, nine occupy full-time government positions that require resignation should they seek re-election, while three others are exempt because they serve as board chairpersons or board members.

However, despite the June deadline for prospective national contestants to step down from their government positions, there has been no publicly confirmed resignation by any of the affected executives, raising fresh questions over compliance and whether the party will strictly enforce one of its most significant internal governance reforms.

The controversy stems from a decision announced by NDC General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey on January 29, 2026, after the National Executive Committee approved new eligibility requirements. Under the directive, anyone seeking election to a party office while serving in a government appointment made by the President must resign at least six clear months before filing nomination forms.

The rule applies to:

• Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
• Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors and their deputies;
• Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs); and
• Other analogous presidential appointees.

The party subsequently aligned the resignation deadlines with its election calendar:

• Constituency aspirants — April 2026
• Regional aspirants — May 2026
• National aspirants — June 2026

National nominations are expected to open in October before delegates elect a new national leadership in December.