Former Minister and long-standing member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has declared his intention to contest the position of National Chairman of the governing party.
Dr Opong-Fosu said his decision to enter the race is driven by a sense of responsibility to the party and a desire to contribute to its future development, rather than personal ambition.
In declaring his candidacy, he pointed to his years of service within the NDC and government, as well as his involvement in the party’s journey from its formative years.
According to him, his experience has given him an institutional understanding of the NDC’s history, values, struggles and achievements, which he believes will be important in providing leadership at a critical stage of the party’s development.
“My decision is born out of conviction, not convenience; service, not personal ambition,” Dr Opong-Fosu said.
Dr Opong-Fosu said the NDC had reached an important point in its political development and must now concentrate on consolidating its gains while protecting the achievements made under the current administration.
He also stressed the need to safeguard what he described as the legacy of President John Dramani Mahama as the party looks ahead to its next phase.
He argued that the party’s leadership must combine experience and institutional knowledge with an understanding of the changing political environment.
“Having served our party, government and country in various capacities over the years, I believe I have the experience and preparedness to provide that leadership at this time,” he stated.
The former minister said his proposed leadership would seek to strengthen the connection between the party’s grassroots and its national leadership.
He identified greater unity and inclusiveness, the empowerment of emerging leaders and the strengthening of the NDC’s institutional structures as key priorities.
Dr Opong-Fosu has framed his proposed agenda around what he described as “Restoration, Renewal and Resetting.”
He said the three principles should guide the party’s internal development as it prepares to confront future political and organisational challenges.
A central component of his vision, he explained, would be to deepen participation at the grassroots while ensuring that party structures remain responsive to the needs and expectations of members.
He also pledged to promote an inclusive political environment in which younger members and emerging leaders would be given opportunities to contribute to the party’s future.
“Together, we can strengthen the bond between our grassroots and leadership, deepen unity across the party, empower the next generation, consolidate our gains and build an NDC capable of sustaining its strength for generations to come,” he said.
Dr Opong-Fosu expressed his readiness to assume the responsibilities associated with the National Chairmanship should he receive the mandate of the party.
“I am ready to serve. I am ready to lead,” he stated.
His declaration adds to the emerging contest over the future leadership and organisational direction of the NDC as the governing party prepares for its next phase of internal organisation and leadership renewal.
The National Chairmanship is a key position within the party’s structure, with the holder expected to play a central role in maintaining cohesion, coordinating party structures and providing organisational leadership as the NDC navigates its political programme and prepares for future elections.
By 1960news.com
