Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, who is seeking to become National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), says the party must establish fairer and more transparent systems to recognise the contributions of its grassroots members.
He argues that party activists, branch organisers, constituency executives, volunteers and polling station agents should not feel forgotten after working to secure electoral victories.
According to him, the NDC’s organisational strength must begin at the branch level, with members actively involved in shaping decisions rather than being mobilised only when elections approach.
“The branch must be the heartbeat of the NDC,” he said in his declaration of intent to contest the party’s National Chairmanship.
Dr Opong-Fosu says grassroots structures must be equipped with political education, information, organisational support and the tools needed to function throughout the political cycle.
He has proposed an approach built around four principles: mobilisation, participation, recognition and reward, arguing that party service should be acknowledged through transparent processes rather than personal access to influential individuals.
He, however, clarified that rewarding party members should not be interpreted to mean that every activist must receive a government appointment.
Instead, he wants the party to create fair systems through which members’ service, competence and contributions can be recognised, including opportunities for economic empowerment.
“When opportunity depends entirely upon access to powerful individuals, institutions become weaker,” he said, adding that transparent systems for recognition would strengthen confidence in the party.
The former Member of Parliament for Amenfi East also wants young people and women to play a greater role in leadership and decision-making.
He says young people should not remain permanently described as future leaders or be treated merely as political foot soldiers, but should receive political education, mentorship and exposure to governance, policy, research, technology and party organisation.
He maintains that youth leadership must be supported by competence, preparation, character and values.
On women’s participation, Dr Opong-Fosu says their longstanding contribution to the party’s organisation and electoral strength should translate into greater representation in positions where decisions are made.
He has called for deliberate efforts to identify, mentor, train and support women for leadership roles, describing the move as a way of developing the party’s full leadership potential rather than an exercise in tokenism.
His proposals form part of a broader vision to restore the NDC’s founding principles, renew its leadership culture and reset its organisational systems.
The NDC is reorganising its structures following the 2024 general elections, with the national executive elections expected to culminate in the election of a National Chairman on December 19, 2026.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Bolgatanga
