WORCESTER—In Worcester’s curious Plan E system, all at-large City Council candidates appear on the mayoral ballot—unless they withdraw. This year, four names landed there, but only three are truly in the hunt: longtime Mayor Joe Petty, Council Vice Chair Khrystian King and Owura-Kwaku Sarkodieh, who says he’s ready to offer residents “a city that listens.”
Born in Ghana and a Worcester resident since 2000, Sarkodieh, who ran for councilor-at-large in 2019, holds degrees from UMass Lowell and the Massachusetts School of Law. A lawyer, small-business owner, and father of five students in Worcester Public Schools, he said his decision to run stems from gratitude and concern in equal measure.
“My motivation to run is because I care deeply about the future of our city,” Sarkodieh told The Worcester Guardian. “Too many residents feel left out of the decisions that affect their daily lives—whether it’s the cost of housing, the quality of our schools, or the fairness of the taxes.”
Education, he says, will be front and center if elected mayor. “My most important role is being a father,” he said. “That means I have a vested interest in seeing that the schools are well-funded, career-oriented, and that teaching staff are motivated enough to show up every day.” He supports higher teacher pay, smaller class sizes, and early-childhood programs in underserved neighborhoods.
Public safety is another focal point in his campaign. Sarkodieh argues that enforcement alone isn’t enough: “I believe true safety comes from more than just policing—it comes from trust, prevention, and strong communities.” He calls for expanding community-policing programs, improving lighting and sidewalks, and investing in youth mentorship to prevent crime before it starts.
Sarkodieh also wants to make City Hall more accessible. “I will attend as many neighborhood association meetings as possible,” he said, outlining plans for monthly newsletters, community listening sessions, and office hours to keep residents informed.
On immigration and civil rights, he pledges a balance of transparency and protection. “If elected, I would advocate for policies that make Worcester a city where everyone feels safe, respected, and informed,” he said. “Public safety should be about partnership, not fear.”
Cultural preservation is another thread running through his platform. He supports incentives for developers who integrate historic architecture into new projects and cultural-grant programs celebrating Worcester’s diverse communities. “Development is essential,” he said, “but it should never come at the expense of the landmarks and traditions that define who we are.”
Asked what voters might not know about him, Sarkodieh didn’t hesitate: “I approach public service with the mindset of a listener first. The best solutions don’t come from the top down—they come from listening to people’s lived experiences and working collaboratively to address them.”
With Mayor Petty seeking reelection and Councilor King running on accountability and reform, Sarkodieh said his campaign offers something different: a bridge between Worcester’s history and its next generation.
This article is part of the Worcester Guardian’s 2025 election coverage. As part of our ongoing series, we are publishing individual candidate profiles and stories related to key issues facing the city ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election. We have reached out—or are in the process of reaching out—to every candidate running for Worcester City Council and School Committee. If you are a certified candidate and would like to ensure you are included, please contact us at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
