Hon. Akwasi Opong-Fosu has emerged as the clear frontrunner in an informal online poll conducted by Today.com.gh, which canvassed reader sentiment on the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) upcoming National Chairmanship contest.
The poll, which featured five declared contenders for the position, recorded Opong-Fosu well ahead of the field, garnering 67.7% of all responses cast.
Trailing behind him were Nii Lante Vanderpuye with 19.8%, Ofosu Ampofo with 7.45%, Alhaji Sinari with 4.34%, and Chief Sofo Azorka with 0.62%.
While the poll is not a scientific survey and reflects the sentiment of an engaged online readership rather than the party’s full membership, the margin is notable. Opong-Fosu’s lead places him significantly ahead of his closest rivals, suggesting strong name recognition and visibility heading into the contest.
Opong-Fosu, who currently serves as Board Chair of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), has built a public profile through a distinguished public service record spanning four decades. He is on record as the longest serving PNDC District Secretary/DCE with an uninterrupted service of eighteen years and also Deputy Minister of Local Government under President Rawlings. He further served under President Mills as acting Minister of Local Government and also Head of Local Government Service. Under President Mahama he served as Minister of Local Government, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Minister of State at the Presidency responsible for Development Authorities. He was the Member of Parliament for Amenfi East in 2013 to 2017.
Hon Opong-Fosu is widely known for his strength of character, integrity, results oriented, and connection to the base.
The NDC’s National Chairmanship race is expected to draw significant internal attention as the party positions itself ahead of future electoral cycles. Contenders will be looking to consolidate support among delegates and grassroots structures in the lead-up to the formal contest.
Today.com.gh’s poll, while informal, offers an early signal of public sentiment as the race begins to take shape. A clearer picture of standing among actual party delegates is expected to emerge as the contest progresses.
*About Hon. Akwasi Opong-Fosu*
Hon. Akwasi Opong-Fosu is a Ghanaian statesman, governance expert, and international development advocate whose public service spans more than four decades. His career has significantly shaped Ghana’s decentralisation agenda, public sector reform, environmental governance, and institutional development, with influence extending across governance reforms in Africa.
He is one of the few Ghanaian public leaders whose career bridges both the revolutionary administration of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and the democratic governance of the Fourth Republic. He began his public service journey in 1982 as a District Secretary under the PNDC, later becoming one of the pioneering administrators who implemented the District Political Authority system that preceded Ghana’s Local Government Law of 1988.
In national government, Opong-Fosu has served as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Minister of State at the Presidency responsible for Development Authorities, and Member of Parliament for Amenfi East. He also served as Head of the Local Government Service from 2009 to 2012, appointed by President John Evans Atta Mills, and is a Founding Member of the National Democratic Congress.
Internationally, he has held senior leadership roles including President of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-Africa), Vice-President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) in Barcelona, Chairman of the ACP Local Government Platform in Brussels, and membership of the United Nations Advisory Committee on Local Authorities.
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 Harvard Kennedy School and the London School of Economics.
He currently serves as Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).
Motto: “Restoring Values. Renewing Mindsets. Resetting Ghana.”
