The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has ordered an immediate halt to all premature presidential campaign activities within the party.

Following a meeting with President John Mahama on Friday, May 19, the Council urged members to focus on supporting the government’s Resetting Agenda and maintaining party unity.

In a statement, the Council stressed that no presidential campaign should begin until the party officially announces its timetable for primaries.

The Council noted with concern the growing unease among sections of the party and the wider public regarding reports of premature presidential campaigns and related political activities by individuals and groups within the party.

It further reminded all members that the NDC is currently focused on delivering on the mandate entrusted to it by the people of Ghana.

At what it described as a critical stage of national reconstruction and renewal, the Council emphasised that every member of the party is expected to devote their energies, resources, and commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to reset the country.

According to the statement, this focus is essential to improving the lives of Ghanaians, rather than engaging in activities that could create division, distraction, or unnecessary internal competition.

The Council also drew attention to the provisions of Article 42 of the Constitution of the National Democratic Congress, which clearly stipulates:

"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."

The Council emphasised 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 or group is authorised to engage in any form of presidential campaigning.

It cautioned that no individual, group, or interest bloc is permitted to undertake or promote any form of presidential campaign, whether directly or indirectly.

Accordingly, the Council of Elders directed all persons engaged in such activities to cease forthwith.

These include all forms of campaigning, mobilisation, endorsements, publicity, or related efforts intended to advance the presidential ambitions of any prospective candidate.

The Council, however, called on all party members to remain focused on the broader task ahead, consolidating party unity, supporting the government’s transformational agenda, and working collectively to meet the expectations of the Ghanaian people.