Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, a candidate for the National Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), says the party needs a leader capable of managing internal differences through dialogue and consensus rather than aggression and factional competition.
He argues that political ambition and competing views are legitimate in a democratic party, but should not become sources of permanent division.
In his declaration of intent to contest the position, the former minister says the NDC must build a political culture in which members can compete for leadership without undermining the unity and cohesion of the party.
“Internal competition is legitimate. Political ambition is legitimate. Different perspectives are legitimate. But our ultimate loyalty must be to the NDC, not to factions within the NDC,” he said.
Dr Opong-Fosu believes the party’s next National Chairman will require the temperament and emotional intelligence to manage disagreements that may emerge from the selection of parliamentary and presidential candidates ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He says the position requires a leader who can bring competing interests together, communicate with honesty and protect the party’s unity during difficult internal contests.
He has also criticised what he describes as a political culture in which aggressive posturing and confrontational behaviour are sometimes mistaken for strength.
“Confidence without arrogance. Firmness without belligerence. Competition without destruction. Debate without denigration,” he said, outlining the leadership approach he wants the party to adopt.
He argues that consultation, listening and consensus-building should be seen as strengths rather than signs of indecision.
Dr Opong-Fosu says the party must deliberately bring its members together after internal elections to ensure that the process produces stronger structures rather than permanent winners and losers.
He has also called for a more structured relationship between the party and the government, arguing that communication between the two should be based on institutions rather than personalities or informal access.
According to him, the party must be able to communicate grassroots concerns effectively while helping its structures understand government policies and priorities, without undermining the constitutional responsibilities of the President and state institutions.
Dr Opong-Fosu is drawing on experience in local government, public administration, Parliament, ministerial service and international engagement to support his bid for the position.
He previously served as Member of Parliament for Amenfi East from 2013 to 2017, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Minister of State at the Presidency responsible for Development Authorities.
He says those experiences have reinforced his belief that no individual should become more important than the institution that gives them the opportunity to serve.
His proposed agenda for the NDC is anchored on restoration, renewal and resetting, with an emphasis on institutional strength, grassroots participation and a more disciplined approach to internal organisation.
The party is expected to elect its next National Chairman on December 19, 2026.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Bolgatanga
