The NDC national chairman aspirant Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu has proposed a “Grassroots Inclusivity” framework aimed at giving party members greater participation in decision-making and improving their economic prospects.
The proposal, outlined during an engagement with NDC branch members, is anchored on three pillars: Votes, Voice and Viability, which he describes as the “3Vs.”
Under the Votes component, Dr Opong-Fosu proposes that branch and constituency members who mobilise voters and contribute to the party’s electoral strength should be equipped and recognised for their work.
The Voice component seeks to give grassroots members a meaningful role in shaping party decisions, including establishing a clear channel through which proposals from the grassroots can reach regional and national leadership and receive a response.
The third pillar, Viability, focuses on the economic empowerment of party members and the development of financially sustainable constituency structures capable of supporting grassroots activities between elections.
Under the proposal, constituencies would identify business and economic opportunities suited to their local environments and assist interested members with skills training, apprenticeships, mentorship and access to markets.
The proposal also envisages the formation of lawful, member-owned businesses and cooperatives, supported by clear ownership structures and proper financial records.
Dr Opong-Fosu is further proposing the establishment of a Business Development Directorate at the NDC headquarters to coordinate constituency-level business activities, provide technical guidance, connect local structures with credible partners and promote accountability.
According to the proposal, each constituency would be allowed to develop activities based on its specific economic needs and opportunities, rather than adopting a uniform approach.
The programme, he said, would be organised across constituencies without relying on a pilot scheme.
Dr Opong-Fosu said the engagement reinforced the need for grassroots empowerment to extend beyond election periods.
He linked the proposal to the NDC’s stated agenda of “Restoration, Renewal and Resetting,” saying the principles should translate into restoring trust in grassroots leadership, renewing members’ economic prospects and resetting how the party supports its members and constituencies between elections.
The proposal was issued under the banner AOF4C — Akwasi Opong-Fosu for Chairman.
