NDC Grassroots Must Benefit From Power, Not Just Mobilise Votes – Opong-Fosu

byMavis FanteviOctober 20, 20260 Aspiring National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has called for greater economic opportunities for grassroots party members, insisting that their contribution to electoral victories must translate into tangible benefits when the party assumes power.

He said party members should not be treated merely as mobilisers during elections but must also be empowered economically to strengthen the party’s structures and sustain its relationship with the grassroots.

Speaking in an interview on Bullet Tv’s Morning Target on October 20, Dr Opong-Fosu said leaving party members out of the benefits of governance after they had worked to secure electoral victories could create a sense of rejection and weaken their commitment to the party.

“The party’s base must not be there only to mobilise votes; they must also benefit,” he said.

“When party members contribute to bringing the government to power but are left out, it creates a sense of rejection.”

He stressed that grassroots members must be economically viable and that the party’s structures must also be strengthened to ensure that members remain active participants in the political process beyond election periods.

Dr Opong-Fosu said his vision for the party included restoring what he described as its foundational principles of social justice, accountability and leadership that serves the interests of the people.

He also cautioned that improvements in the country’s economic indicators should not be mistaken for a complete resolution of the financial difficulties confronting ordinary Ghanaians.

“Stabilising the economy does not in itself put money in people’s pockets,” he said, emphasising the need for governance that delivers practical benefits to citizens.

The aspiring chairman further warned against what he described as reckless conduct by political party leaders, arguing that their actions and public statements could contribute to chaotic governance if not guided by discipline and responsibility.

“If we have political party leadership that is reckless in their actions and utterances, we are going to have chaotic governance,” he said.

He drew a distinction between courage and aggression, cautioning party members against equating confrontational behaviour with strong leadership.

“Being brave and courageous is different from being aggressive,” he said, adding that recklessness in public statements should not be mistaken for bravery.

He maintained that the NDC must demonstrate responsibility and responsiveness to citizens’ needs even while in opposition, stressing that political leadership should be guided by accountability rather than reckless conduct.

Dr Opong-Fosu expressed confidence that collective efforts to strengthen the party, empower its grassroots and promote responsible leadership would improve its prospects in the next general election.

“If we do that through collective efforts, we can win 2028 and beyond,” he said.

Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu formally declared his intention to contest the NDC National Chairmanship on September 17, 2026, outlining a vision centred on “restoration, renewal and reset”.

His campaign focuses on returning the party to its foundational values, strengthening internal structures and rebuilding relations between the leadership and grassroots members.

The contest forms part of the NDC’s 2026 internal reorganisation, which is expected to culminate in the election of national executives at the party’s National Congress on December 19, 2026.

The new leadership will be tasked with strengthening party unity and organisation ahead of the 2028 general elections.

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