Former Local Government and Rural Development Minister and former Member of Parliament for Amenfi East, Dr. Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has officially launched his bid for the National Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), receiving strong endorsements from senior party figures who say the party needs competent, unifying and transformational leadership as it prepares for a new phase of its political journey.
The declaration, held in Accra on Thursday, brought together prominent NDC stalwarts, former government officials, regional and constituency executives, youth leaders and grassroots supporters, many of whom rallied behind Dr. Opong-Fosu’s vision for restoring, renewing and repositioning the governing party for future electoral success.
Among those who publicly endorsed his candidature was former Minister and former Member of Parliament, Hon. Inusah Fuseni, who described Dr. Opong-Fosu as a leader with the integrity, emotional intelligence and experience required to guide the NDC through its ongoing reorganization and preparations toward the 2028 general elections.
According to Hon. Fuseni, the next National Chairman must be capable of managing internal differences, building consensus and strengthening party unity while remaining committed to the core values upon which the NDC was founded.
“The party needs a transformative leader rather than a transactional politician,” he told supporters, adding that Dr. Opong-Fosu possesses the judgment, credibility and grassroots appeal necessary to provide that leadership.
The endorsement comes at a time when the NDC has begun internal reorganization activities, with constituency-level nominations underway ahead of elections for party executives at various levels.
Adding his voice to the growing support for Dr. Opong-Fosu, former Greater Accra Regional Minister and former Member of Parliament for Kpone-Katamanso, Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, urged party members across the country to prioritize competence over financial influence, tribal considerations and other interests when choosing the next generation of party leaders.
“I urge all members across the country not to look at money, not to look at tribe. Let’s focus on who is competent enough to lead the party,” Mr. Afotey Agbo said.
He noted that the future strength of the NDC would depend on the quality of leaders elected to manage the party’s affairs and appealed to delegates to place the long-term interests of the party above personal considerations.
For his part, Dr. Opong-Fosu outlined an ambitious vision aimed at transforming the NDC into what he described as a “continental gold standard political party” built on stronger institutions, empowered grassroots structures and a culture of service-driven leadership.
He said the challenge facing the party goes beyond winning the next election and requires a deliberate effort to build an NDC that is united, disciplined and prepared for future generations.
According to him, his vision is anchored on three pillars — restoration, renewal and resetting — which seek to strengthen party structures, empower branches and constituencies, recognize grassroots service and create pathways for young people and women to assume leadership roles within the party.
He stressed that internal competition should not evolve into permanent factional divisions and argued that differences within the party must be resolved through dialogue, consultation and consensus-building.
“Our challenge is bigger than one electoral cycle. It is about building an NDC where institutions are stronger, where branches and constituencies are empowered, where grassroots service is recognized, where young people and women are prepared for leadership, and where differences are resolved through dialogue and consensus,” he said.
Dr. Opong-Fosu further pledged to champion a style of leadership that prioritizes service, collective responsibility and organizational discipline.
He said the NDC must remain capable of consolidating the gains achieved under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration while positioning itself for sustained political success beyond the 2028 elections.
The aspiring National Chairman maintained that every party member must feel valued and heard, regardless of status or position.
“An NDC where every member can proudly say, ‘This is our party, our voice matters, our service matters, our future matters.’ Because until everyone counts, no one counts,” he declared.
Dr. Opong-Fosu subsequently formalized his intention to contest for the National Chairmanship, describing the move as part of a broader mission to build a united, strong and future-ready National Democratic Congress.
Speakers at the event highlighted Dr. Opong-Fosu’s longstanding association with the NDC dating back to the PNDC era, his tenure as Member of Parliament for Amenfi East from 2013 to 2017, his service as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, and his extensive international experience in local governance and advisory work with the United Nations.
The event was attended by several influential figures within the party, including Anita De-Soso, youth leaders, regional executives, constituency executives and grassroots supporters, all of whom expressed confidence in Dr. Opong-Fosu’s ability to provide the leadership needed to strengthen party unity and organizational effectiveness.
Political observers believe the endorsements from respected party elders such as Inusah Fuseni and Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo could significantly boost Dr. Opong-Fosu’s campaign as the race for the NDC National Chairmanship begins to gather momentum.
With internal reorganization activities underway and the party looking ahead to future electoral contests, the emerging contest is expected to shape the direction of the NDC’s leadership and organizational strategy in the years ahead.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
