In 1992, after more than a decade of military-led rule under the Provisional National Defence Council, Ghana prepared to return to multiparty democracy. A new constitution was approved, parties were allowed to form, and elections were scheduled. Supporters of Jerry Rawlings, the PNDC chairman, created a party to carry their movement into the new era. It was called the National Democratic Congress. Within months, Rawlings won the presidency on its ticket, beginning a story that would make the NDC one of Ghana’s two dominant parties.
The PNDC and the founding of the party
Rawlings took power in a coup on 31 December 1981 and led the PNDC government for over a decade. Under domestic and international pressure, the PNDC agreed to a transition. A referendum in April 1992 approved the new constitution. The NDC was formed in 1992, drawing on PNDC officials, revolutionary organisations and Rawlings supporters. The party adopted an umbrella as its symbol and colours of red, white, green and black.
Rawlings won the November 1992 presidential election with about 58 percent of the vote. The opposition alleged irregularities and boycotted the parliamentary elections.
Elections, defeat and return
Rawlings won a second term in 1996, defeating John Kufuor. After Rawlings’ two terms, the NDC candidate John Atta Mills lost to Kufuor in 2000. The NDC returned to power in 2008 with Atta Mills, and John Mahama later led the party. Mahama lost in 2016 and 2020, then won again in 2024. The NDC describes itself as social democratic. The party has traditionally been strong in the Volta Region and parts of the north.
Like other parties, the NDC has faced internal disputes, including tensions between Rawlings and later leaders.
Legacy, Rawlings and organisation
The NDC has governed Ghana for much of the Fourth Republic. After leaving the presidency in 2001, Rawlings remained an influential figure in the party until his death in November 2020. His funeral drew leaders from across Ghana and abroad. The NDC built structures in every constituency, with regional and national executives elected at congresses. The NDC began as a vehicle for one man’s transition from soldier to elected president. More than three decades later, it is still winning elections long after his death.
