A National Chairman aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has called for a leadership approach that prioritises dialogue, consensus-building and party unity over factional interests and confrontational politics.
The former minister said internal competition and differences in political opinion were inevitable in a democratic party but warned that such differences should not be allowed to create lasting divisions among members.
In his declaration of intent to contest the NDC National Chairmanship, Dr Opong-Fosu argued that the party needed a leader capable of managing competing interests without undermining its organisational structures.
“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.
He maintained that the next National Chairman would have a responsibility to manage disagreements arising from internal elections, particularly the selection of parliamentary and presidential candidates ahead of the 2028 general elections.
According to him, the position requires a leader with the temperament, emotional intelligence and communication skills to bring together members with competing interests.
Dr Opong-Fosu also criticised what he described as the tendency to equate aggressive political behaviour with strong leadership.
“Confidence without arrogance. Firmness without belligerence. Competition without destruction. Debate without denigration,” he stated.
He argued that consultation, listening and consensus-building should be regarded as essential leadership qualities rather than signs of weakness or indecision.
The former minister said the party must develop mechanisms to reconcile members after internal elections to prevent contests from producing permanent divisions between winners and losers.
Beyond managing internal competition, Dr Opong-Fosu called for a more structured relationship between the NDC and the government.
He said communication between the party and government should be guided by established institutions rather than personal relationships or informal access to political officeholders.
According to him, such an arrangement would enable the party to communicate concerns from its grassroots members while helping party structures understand government policies and priorities.
He maintained that this relationship should operate without interfering with the constitutional responsibilities of the President and state institutions.
Dr Opong-Fosu, who previously served as Member of Parliament for Amenfi East from 2013 to 2017, has also held several ministerial positions, including Minister for Local Government and Rural Development and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
He also served as Minister of State at the Presidency responsible for Development Authorities.
He said his experience in public administration, Parliament and government had reinforced his belief that political institutions should remain stronger than the individuals entrusted with leading them.
Dr Opong-Fosu’s campaign agenda focuses on restoration, renewal and resetting, with proposals aimed at strengthening party structures, increasing grassroots participation and improving internal organisation.
The NDC is expected to elect its next National Chairman on December 19, 2026.
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