NDC Should Broaden Leadership Access, Not Concentrate Power — Fifi Kwetey

General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has defended the party’s decision to require government appointees to resign at least six months before contesting internal structural elections.

According to him, the directive is intended to prevent the concentration of power and create space for more members to assume leadership roles within the party.

Mr Kwetey said the NDC’s size and depth of talent make it necessary to distribute leadership opportunities more broadly.

“The NDC is a large party with millions of supporters and many capable individuals,” he said, stressing that leadership positions should not be “stacked” in the hands of a few.

He explained that when certain members are appointed to key government positions, it is reasonable for the party to allow others to step into elective roles within its structures.

Responding to questions about the rationale behind the policy, Mr Kwetey noted that some government appointments are particularly demanding and require full-time commitment.

He cited ministerial roles, chief executive positions and district, municipal and metropolitan appointments as examples of offices that demand constant engagement and oversight.

“These are virtually 24/7 responsibilities,” he said. “It is difficult to hold such a position and still effectively contest and serve in an elective party role.”

Mr Kwetey argued that attempting to manage both responsibilities simultaneously could undermine performance in either government or party work.

He maintained that the six-month resignation requirement is designed to protect the integrity of both spheres, while ensuring wider participation in leadership across the NDC’s structures — from the branch level to the international level.

The move, he added, reflects the party’s commitment to fairness, internal democracy and shared responsibility.