He said branch organisers, constituency executives, volunteers and polling station agents who contribute to the party’s electoral success must have their service acknowledged through fair and institutionalised processes.
In his declaration of intent to contest the NDC National Chairmanship, the former Minister for Local Government and Rural Development said the party must strengthen its grassroots structures and ensure that members remain actively involved in its activities beyond election periods.
“The branch must be the heartbeat of the NDC,” he said.
Dr Opong-Fosu proposed an approach built around four principles: mobilisation, participation, recognition and reward.
According to him, grassroots structures must receive the political education, information, organisational support and resources needed to operate effectively throughout the political cycle.
He argued that party members who dedicate their time and resources to organising, campaigning and protecting the party’s electoral interests should not feel neglected after elections.
However, Dr Opong-Fosu clarified that recognising party service should not be interpreted as a promise of government appointments for every activist.
Instead, he proposed transparent arrangements that consider members’ contributions, competence and service when opportunities arise, including initiatives aimed at economic empowerment.
“When opportunity depends entirely upon access to powerful individuals, institutions become weaker,” he said.
He maintained that a structured approach to recognising contributions would reduce dependence on personal relationships and strengthen members’ confidence in the party’s internal processes.
Beyond grassroots recognition, Dr Opong-Fosu called for greater participation of young people and women in the party’s leadership and decision-making structures.
He argued that young members should not be treated merely as campaign volunteers or continually described as future leaders without being prepared for leadership responsibilities.
According to him, the party must invest in political education, mentorship and practical exposure to governance, policy development, research, technology and organisational management.
He said opportunities for youth leadership should be supported by competence, preparation, character and commitment to the party’s values.
On women’s participation, Dr Opong-Fosu said their longstanding contributions to the NDC’s organisation and electoral activities should be reflected in their representation at decision-making levels.
He called for deliberate efforts to identify, train, mentor and support women interested in leadership positions.
According to him, increasing women’s participation should be treated as part of strengthening the party’s leadership capacity rather than merely fulfilling representation targets.
Dr Opong-Fosu said the proposals formed part of his broader agenda of restoration, renewal and resetting, which focuses on the party’s founding principles, leadership culture and organisational systems.
He is seeking to become the NDC’s next National Chairman as the party prepares for its national executive elections, scheduled for December 19, 2026.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
