Former Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Dr Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, has formally declared his intention to contest the National Chairmanship of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). He promises to restore the party's founding values and overhaul its internal organisation. Dr Oppong-Fosu's vision for the party is anchored on "restoration, renewal and reset", focusing on strengthening the grassroots, promoting internal unity and moving the NDC away from personality-driven politics.
Dr Oppong-Fosu made the declaration at a news conference in Accra after extensive consultations with party grassroots, regional caucuses, elders and other stakeholders. He said his decision was motivated by a desire to serve the party rather than seek personal recognition. His candidature is about "conviction, service and sacrifice". Under his restoration agenda, Dr Oppong-Fosu said the NDC must return to its foundational principles of probity, accountability and social justice.
Dr Oppong-Fosu emphasised that social justice must begin within the party's own political family, ensuring everyone has dignity, a voice and an opportunity to contribute. He called for stronger links between the national leadership and the grassroots, saying branches and constituencies must remain active throughout the political cycle. Dr Oppong-Fosu proposed greater investment in political education, research, technology, communication and data, stating that "the branch must be the heartbeat of the NDC".
On renewal, Dr Oppong-Fosu said the party needs to prepare itself for a changing Ghana and changing world. He proposed deliberately preparing young people and women for leadership through political education, mentorship and training, while strengthening organisational structures. Dr Oppong-Fosu also suggested a "reset" of the party's internal systems, including improving communication, addressing member exclusion and developing fairer systems for recognising members' contributions.
Dr Oppong-Fosu urged NDC members to stop comparing the party with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), arguing that such comparisons could prevent the NDC from focusing on its own development. He said his approach to party leadership would emphasise consensus-building rather than confrontation. Internal competition is legitimate in a democratic party, but should not result in permanent divisions, Dr Oppong-Fosu added.
Dr Oppong-Fosu cited his experience in local government, public administration, Parliament, ministerial responsibility and international local-government engagements as evidence of his ability to manage competing interests and build consensus. He recounted his involvement in bringing Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone local-government organisations together at the continental level and resolving a dispute within the NDC's United States chapter.
Dr Oppong-Fosu's experiences have reinforced his belief that leadership requires listening, consultation and the ability to bring competing interests together. He concluded that consultation is not weakness, listening is not timidity and consensus building is not indecision. With his extensive experience and vision for the party, Dr Oppong-Fosu is poised to lead the NDC in a new direction.
Key points
- Dr Akwasi Oppong-Fosu declares intention to contest NDC National Chairmanship
- Oppong-Fosu's vision for the party is anchored on "restoration, renewal and reset"
- Dr Oppong-Fosu emphasises consensus-building and social justice within the party
