Former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has officially declared his intention to contest for the National Chairmanship of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), setting the stage for a competitive race ahead of the party's National Congress.
Opong-Fosu made his intentions known on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during a formal engagement with the NDC Western Region Caucus, where he laid out his vision for the party centred on three interconnected pillars: Restoration, Renewal and Resetting.
According to a statement released by his campaign team, the former minister emphasised the need for the party to restore the values and principles that had sustained the NDC, renew the collective mindset and sense of purpose among its members, and reset the party's structures to meet the changing expectations of Ghanaians. "I intend to continue listening, engaging and exchanging ideas with our members and leaders across the country ahead of the appropriate time for a formal declaration," the statement read.
Opong-Fosu stressed that at this critical stage in the party's journey, the leadership must help consolidate the legacy of President John Dramani Mahama. He argued that the success of the current administration should serve as a strong foundation for the party's future beyond the 2028 elections. "Our responsibility, therefore, goes beyond winning elections. We must build a party that remains united, disciplined, inclusive and firmly connected to its grassroots," he stated, adding, "Every member, from the branch level to the national leadership, must feel valued and have a meaningful role in shaping our collective future."
Opong-Fosu's entry into the race brings decades of experience, having served as a District Chief Executive in the late 1980s, Member of Parliament for Amenfi East, Deputy Minister, and subsequently Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. He currently serves as Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA).
His campaign is expected to focus on grassroots renewal and organisational discipline, drawing on his extensive experience in local governance, which he argues is critical for a party preparing for the 2028 general election. He is positioning himself as a unifier with the capacity to strengthen the link between the party's national leadership and its grassroots base.
The NDC is scheduled to hold its National Congress on December 19, 2026, to elect a new National Executive Committee. Opong-Fosu's declaration makes him a prominent contender for the national chairmanship position, currently occupied by Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
