Opong-Fosu vows to unite NDC, consolidate party’s gains and protect Mahama’s legacy

National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairmanship aspirant Dr. Akwasi Opong-Fosu has described his bid for the party’s top organisational position as a mission to unite its members, consolidate its political gains, and protect the legacy of President John Dramani Mahama.

He said his campaign was focused on mobilising a strong, united, and cohesive party capable of sustaining its achievements and advancing its political objectives.

Dr. Opong-Fosu outlined his vision while delivering a keynote address as Special Guest at the 2026 Hlefi Traditional Area Yam Festival in the Ho West Constituency, held under the theme “Uniting Citizens for Development.”

The former Local Government Minister stressed the importance of unity and mutual respect in building a party capable of pursuing its objectives without being undermined by internal divisions or hostility.

He also cautioned against the growing use of insults, character assassination, and ethnic rhetoric in political discourse, warning that such conduct threatens the cohesion needed for effective political organisation and national development.

“Look at the history of nations that fell into chaos—it did not start with guns; it started with tongues,” Opong-Fosu warned.

“When political actors and social commentators sow verbal aggression into the soul of our communities, we reap harvest fields of hatred, distrust, and violence.”

He urged political leaders and media commentators to exercise restraint in their public engagements, arguing that disagreements should not come at the expense of peace and national cohesion.

“No political victory, no partisan agenda, and no parliamentary seat is worth sacrificing the peace, the unity, and the future of the Republic of Ghana that we call our home,” he said.

Dr. Opong-Fosu also called on traditional authorities to take a firm stand against divisive political commentary and uphold values that promote peaceful coexistence.

As part of his focus on community development, he pledged to collaborate with Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah towards the realisation of a water project for residents of the constituency.

The Hlefi Yam Festival brought together traditional leaders, political figures and community members to celebrate the harvest season and discuss local development priorities.

The gathering was chaired by Efo Biadela Mortey Akpadzi, a former Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and Chairman of the Gold Board Tribunal.

It was attended by Paramount Chief Togbui Adame Danku X, Mr. Bedzrah and traditional leaders from across the Volta Region.

The annual festival serves as a platform for cultural preservation, community engagement, and the mobilisation of support for infrastructure and development projects in the Hlefi Traditional Area.