Akwasi Opong-Fosu, a contender for the National Chairmanship of Ghana's National Democratic Congress (NDC), has unveiled a grassroots empowerment framework centered on Votes, Voice, and Viability. The "3Vs" plan aims to strengthen the role of branch and constituency members while creating opportunities for them to improve their economic prospects beyond election periods. This proposal was presented during an engagement with NDC branch members on September 24, 2026.
The Votes component of the plan seeks to recognize and support branch and constituency members whose mobilisation efforts contribute to the party's electoral strength. This move is expected to motivate members to work harder and feel appreciated for their efforts. The Voice component aims to give grassroots members a clearer role in shaping party decisions, including a mechanism for proposals from branches and constituencies to reach regional and national leadership.
The third component, Viability, focuses on improving the economic prospects of members and strengthening constituency structures to remain financially sustainable between elections. Under this proposal, constituencies would identify business opportunities based on their local economies and help interested members access skills training, apprenticeships, mentorship, and markets. This initiative is expected to reduce the party's reliance on external funding and make it more self-sufficient.
The proposal also envisages support for the establishment of lawful, member-owned businesses and cooperatives, with proper ownership structures and financial records. To coordinate constituency-level business activities, Mr. Opong-Fosu is proposing the establishment of a Business Development Directorate at the party's headquarters. This directorate would provide technical support, connect local structures with credible partners, and promote accountability in the management of businesses.
Mr. Opong-Fosu's campaign, AOF4C, says the framework is designed to make grassroots structures more economically viable while giving members a stronger role in the party's decision-making processes. The proposal is intended to be implemented across constituencies rather than through a pilot programme. This move is expected to bring about a significant change in the way the party operates and interacts with its members.
Mr. Opong-Fosu linked the proposal to the NDC's stated theme of "Restoration, Renewal, and Resetting," arguing that the concept should also apply to the relationship between the party's leadership and its grassroots. Under his framework, restoration would involve rebuilding trust in grassroots leadership, renewal would focus on improving members' economic prospects, while resetting would involve changing how the party supports its members and constituency structures between elections.
The proposal has received support from some quarters, with Inusah Fuseini throwing his weight behind Mr. Opong-Fosu for the NDC Chairmanship. The plan is expected to make the party more robust and resilient, with a stronger connection to its grassroots. Key aspects of the plan include empowering members economically, giving them a stronger voice in decision-making, and making the party more self-sufficient.
Key points
- The '3Vs' plan aims to empower NDC grassroots members economically and give them a stronger role in decision-making.
- The plan consists of three components: Votes, Voice, and Viability.
- The proposal is expected to be implemented across constituencies, making the party more robust and resilient.
