NDC orders gov’t appointees to resign before contesting party positions

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has barred all serving government appointees from contesting executive positions within the party unless they resign from their appointments.

The directive was announced by the General Secretary of the party, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, at a press conference on Thursday, January 29.

He said the decision forms part of measures ahead of the party’s reorganisation, which begins on January 30.

According to Mr. Kwetey, any government appointee who intends to contest for a position in the party must resign at least six months before filing nomination forms.

“Any person contesting any position in the party who is holding an office to which he or she was appointed by the president, or the government shall resign at least six (6) clear months from the said office or appointment prior to the filing of the nomination forms for the party position he or she desires to contest,” he stated.

He explained that the restriction applies to a range of government appointees, including ministers, chief executives and local government heads.

“Persons who are affected by the restrictions specified in paragraph (1) of this section shall include the following:
(a) Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
(b) Chief Executive Officers or Managing Directors and Deputy Chief Executive Officers or Deputy Managing Directors, or analogous officers;
(c) Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Administrative Units of the Government of Ghana,” he said.

However, Mr. Kwetey clarified that board members are exempt from the directive.

“A person appointed as a chairperson or member of any Board, or any analogous position shall be exempt from the restrictions imposed by paragraph (1) of this section,” he added.

The NDC says the move is intended to guide the party’s internal processes as it commences its nationwide reorganisation exercise.