Former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has formally declared his intention to contest the National Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), ahead of the party’s December 13 internal elections.
Speaking at his official declaration at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra, Opong-Fosu urged party members to refocus on the NDC’s foundational values rather than measuring the party against its main rival, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“The equalisation and comparing of ourselves between us, the NDC, and the NPP should stop. They are at zero grounds, and if we continue comparing, we will never move,” he said.
According to him, the party’s energy should instead be channelled into strengthening its internal structures, reconnecting with the grassroots and articulating a clear vision for the future.
Opong-Fosu said his bid is anchored on a three-pronged agenda of “restoration, renewal and reset,” which he believes should guide the NDC as it repositions itself.
Explaining the concept of restoration, he said it means returning to the foundational principles that have historically defined the party — probity, accountability and social justice.
“Restoration means returning to the foundational values or principles that have historically defined the NDC: probity, accountability and social justice,” he stated.
He stressed that these principles must not remain political slogans but should shape how the party is organised, how its leaders conduct themselves and how members are treated.
“Probity, accountability and social justice must not become ceremonial words. They must guide how we organise, lead and recognise service and treat one another,” he added.
On inclusiveness, the former minister warned that the NDC risked alienating sections of its membership if it failed to carry everyone along, urging the party to deepen its relationship with the grassroots.
“Until everyone counts, everyone counts. So, as a political party, we need to carry our members along as we advance — not to carry some along and leave others behind,” he said.
He added that fairness and justice must begin within the party itself. “Justice must begin within our own political party,” he noted.
Opong-Fosu, a former Member of Parliament for Amenfi East and Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA), is contesting the position alongside about five other leading figures.
He is seeking to succeed the incumbent National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who is not seeking re-election after just one term in office.
Popularly known as “General Mosquito,” Nketia is the longest-serving General Secretary in the NDC’s history and is widely believed to be eyeing the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the contest scheduled for later next year.
Opong-Fosu is the first aspirant to officially declare his intention to contest the chairmanship seat. His campaign will now focus on winning the support of delegates ahead of the December 13 poll.
Present at the declaration event were TEIN members, grassroots members, former appointees of the NDC government including lawyer and onetime Roads and Highways Minister Inusah Fuseini and former Greater Accra Regional Minister Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, who is now a traditional ruler.
By Gifty Boateng