By Benjamin Adamafio Commey
Accra, Sept. 17, GNA – Dr Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, a former Minister oof Local Government and Rural Development, has formally declared his intention to contest the National Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), outlining a three-point vision of “restoration, renewal and reset” for the party.
Dr Oppong-Fosu said his decision followed extensive consultations with the party’s grassroots, regional caucuses, elders and other stakeholders, stressing that his candidature was driven by a desire to serve rather than seek personal recognition.
“I have decided to offer myself for service to this great party,” he said.
“It’s not about convenience. It’s not about recognition. It’s not about glory or status. It’s about conviction, service, and sacrifice,” Dr Oppong-Fosu announced in Accra on Thursday.
He said the first pillar; restoration, would involve returning the NDC to “its foundational values of probity, accountability and social justice.”
Under renewal, he proposed strengthening the party’s structures and methods of organisation, political education, research, technology, communication and data, while deliberately preparing young people and women for leadership.
The third pillar; reset, would seek to improve the party’s internal systems, strengthen weak structures, rebuild communication, address exclusion and repair strained relationships.
Dr Oppong-Fosu said it was time the NDC moved from personality-driven politics towards stronger institutions capable of outlasting individual leaders.
“Individuals will come and go. Executives will change. But the NDC must endure,” he said.
He also proposed greater unity within the party, saying internal competition and political ambition were legitimate but should not lead to permanent divisions.
“There must be no permanent winners and no permanent losers. At the end of every internal election, the NDC itself must emerge stronger,” he said.
Dr Oppong-Fosu, who has served in local government, Parliament, ministerial positions and international local-government institutions, said his experience had equipped him to manage competing interests and build consensus.
He pledged to strengthen the branches and constituencies, which he described as the “heartbeat of the NDC”, and improve systems for recognising members’ service and contribution.
Dr Oppong-Fosu said his ultimate objective was to help build an NDC capable of consolidating its gains, strengthening its institutions and preparing for the 2028 general election and beyond.
“I therefore formally declare my intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the NDC,” he said.
Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, a former Greater Accra Regional Minister, who chaired the programme, commended Dr Oppong-Fosu’s experience and urged party members to consider candidates’ track records in choosing their leaders.
He said the choice of a National Chairman was crucial to the party’s ability to identify and support a strong presidential candidate.
“The future of every Ghanaian depends on our decision,” he said.
He, therefore, cautioned members against allowing money or tribal considerations to influence their choices, emphasising that the NDC needed leadership capable of uniting its structures and strengthening the party at the grassroots.
Mr Inusah Fuseini, a former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, throwing his support behind the candidature of Dr Oppong-Fosu, said the next National Chairman would require the temperament and emotional intelligence to manage conflicts and protect the party’s unity.
He said the position required “credibility and integrity”, adding that it should not be entrusted to a “transactional politician, but a transformative leader.”
Mr Fuseini said the candidate had the experience, character, integrity and commitment required for the role, citing his long association with the NDC and extensive experience in local government and international organisations.
The NDC has scheduled its National Congress for Saturday, December 19, 2026, when the executives, including the National Chairman and General Secretary, are expected to be elected.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Benjamin Adamafio Comme