There is a near-total overhaul in the leadership of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) as NADMO boss Kofi Portuphy wins the hotly contested Chairmanship race.

He beat the incumbent, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, who was seeking a third term by pulling 2,457 out of the total votes cast. Former Trade Minister, Dan Abodakpi came in second, securing 610 votes.

Former Attorney-General, Betty Mould Iddrisu, football administrator Harry Zakour, former Women’ Organiser, Anita Desooso, former Local Government Minister, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, former Education Minister Lee Ocran and former Ambassador to Egypt, Alhaji Said Sinare, a well known party guru run out of the crowd to pick the six Vice-Chairmanship slots.

Rawlings loyalist, Kofi Adams, trounced incumbent National Organiser, Yaw Boateng Gyan.

General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia who was widely tipped before the vote to win, retained his position. He polled 2,685 votes to beat his only challenger, Abdullah Ishaq Farrakhan who polled a paltry 606 votes.

Former Communications Director Koku Anyidoho grabbed one of two Deputy General Secretary slots. He was one of six persons vying for the slots available. Former Adenta MP, Kojo Adu-Asare failed to unseat incumbent George Lawson, picked up the final ticket.

The congress was preceded by rancour and acrimonious campaigns but the election process came off peacefully.

The winners were magnanimous and losers were gracious in defeat.

It remains to be seen how they will work together given some of the aspirants prior Saturday’s vote proved to regard others with tamed condescension.

General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia was reportedly booed by women in Wa after he tried to campaign against Kofi Adams who was contesting his colleague and friend, Yaw Boateng Gyan. He later denied the reports.

But Mr. Adams said the General Secretary had lost respect in the governing party.

Vice-Chairman, Anita Desosoo, a deputy NADMO Coordinator, and her boss, Kofi Portuphy were not the best of friends before the delegates’ congress. They traded accusations publicly. Now they have to work together as national officers of the NDC. It remains to be seen how they mend the cracks.

The opposition New Patriotic Party had similar cracks prior to, and even immediately after, the congress where its national officers were elected.

It appears the NPP has managed to rise above its challenges.

The NDC will hope to do same.

In the meantime, the losers will be licking their wounds whilst the victors rejoice.