George Kofi Arthur emerges as strong contender for Western Regional NDC chairmanship

Hon. Engineer George Kofi Arthur, a former three-term Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, has emerged as a leading contender in the race for Western Regional Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), drawing on a blend of parliamentary experience, party activism and professional expertise in engineering and governance.

Born on February 24, 1969, at Wassa Agona Amenfi in the Western Region, Mr Arthur’s political career spans more than two decades of public service and party engagement. He represented Amenfi Central in Parliament from 2005 to 2017, serving three consecutive terms during which he became known for his committee work, legislative depth and institutional discipline.

His academic background reflects a multidisciplinary foundation. He holds a Diploma in Education with Distinction in Educational Technology from the Presbyterian College of Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology with a focus on Electronics and Automotive Engineering from the University of Education, Winneba, and a Master’s Degree in Governance and Leadership from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). Supporters say this mix of education, technology and governance has shaped his technocratic approach to leadership.

Before entering Parliament, Mr Arthur worked across education and industry. He taught at Daboase Junior High School in the Wassa East District for five years before pursuing engineering studies. He later undertook national service at Toyota Ghana, where he was retained for additional years, gaining industrial experience. He also worked as an electronics specialist at Anyasco Electronics in Kumasi and with Afrangua Construction Limited.

At Afrangua Construction, he contributed to several major road projects in the Western and Western North Regions, including the Asankragwa–Sefwi Bekwai Road, the Enchi–Elubo–Nzema Road, the Bamiko–Tarkwa Road and the Bibiabi Road. These roles, associates say, gave him first-hand exposure to infrastructure challenges, regional integration and employment concerns within the resource-rich Western corridor.

Within Parliament, Mr Arthur served on a wide range of committees, including Roads and Transport, Agriculture, Housing, Employment and Social Welfare, and Privileges. He spent more than a decade as Deputy Ranking Member of the Public Accounts Committee and also served as Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee. His tenure on these committees placed him at the centre of oversight, security and accountability issues during successive parliaments.

Beyond Parliament, his party credentials include service as General Secretary of the Mpohor Constituency and membership of the NDC’s National Communications Team. His leadership record also traces back to his student days, where he held positions such as President of the Technology Students Association.

Political observers within the NDC say his experience across grassroots organisation, national party structures and Parliament could be an asset as the party positions itself ahead of future elections. Supporters argue that his familiarity with constituency dynamics, combined with administrative and legislative experience, could help improve coordination, cohesion and electoral performance in the Western Region.

As internal party contests begin to take shape, Mr Arthur’s profile stands out as that of a candidate rooted in experience rather than rhetoric. With a career spanning education, engineering, infrastructure development and legislative oversight, he enters the contest as a figure many within the party view as aligned with the strategic and organisational demands of the Western Regional Chairmanship.