Former Minister and Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Hon. Akwasi Opong-Fosu, is seeking to become the next National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with the contest expected to attract significant attention ahead of the party’s next organisational elections.
A founding member of the NDC, Opong-Fosu has served in several senior government positions over a public service career spanning more than four decades.
He has emerged as the frontrunner in an informal online poll conducted by Today.com.gh ahead of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s upcoming National Chairmanship election. The poll, which gauged public sentiment on the contest, placed Opong-Fosu firmly ahead of the other declared contenders after he secured 67.7 per cent of the votes cast.
Former Member of Parliament Nii Lante Vanderpuye followed with 19.8 per cent, while former National Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo obtained 7.45 per cent. Alhaji Sinare received 4.34 per cent, with Chief Sofo Azorka polling 0.62 per cent.
Although the poll was not a scientific survey and does not reflect the views of the NDC’s delegate base, the results suggest strong public recognition and visibility for Opong-Fosu as the race begins to take shape.
Opong-Fosu is recognised as Ghana’s longest-serving PNDC District Secretary and District Chief Executive, having served continuously for 18 years before holding several ministerial and leadership positions under successive NDC administrations.
He served as Deputy Minister for Local Government under former President Jerry John Rawlings, Head of the Local Government Service and Acting Minister for Local Government under the late President John Evans Atta Mills, and later as 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 under former President John Dramani Mahama. He also represented the Amenfi East Constituency in Parliament from 2013 to 2017.
Beyond national politics, Opong-Fosu has held several international leadership positions, including President of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-Africa), Vice-President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Chairman of the ACP Local Government Platform, and a member of the United Nations Advisory Committee on Local Authorities.
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Academically, he holds a PhD in Governance and Leadership from the European International University, Paris, an MSc in Public Policy and Management from SOAS, University of London, and has completed executive leadership programmes at the Harvard Kennedy School and the London School of Economics.
While the poll offers an early indication of public sentiment, accredited NDC delegates will ultimately determine the outcome of the National Chairmanship election. Opong-Fosu is contesting under the campaign theme: “Restoring Values. Renewing Mindsets. Resetting Ghana.”
