This evening’s meeting with branch members brought the future of the NDC grassroots into focus. The discussion centred on a straightforward principle: members who sustain the party and mobilise its voters must also have a meaningful voice in its decisions and a fair opportunity to improve their economic prospects.
Hon. Dr. Akwasi Opong-Fosu’s proposal for Grassroots Inclusivity brings these priorities together as the 3Vs:
Votes: Equip and recognise the branch and constituency members whose work builds the party’s electoral strength.
Voice: Give grassroots members a meaningful role in shaping party decisions, with a clear route for their proposals to reach regional and national leadership and receive a response.
Viability: Empower members financially and build financially viable constituency structures that can sustain their work between elections.
Under the proposal, constituencies would identify opportunities suited to their local economies and help interested members access skills training, apprenticeships, mentorship and markets. They would also support the formation of lawful, member-owned businesses and cooperatives, with clear ownership and proper financial records.
A Business Development Directorate at party headquarters is proposed to coordinate constituency business activities, provide technical guidance, connect local structures with credible partners and promote accountability. Each constituency would shape its activities around its own needs and opportunities. The programme is intended for organisation across constituencies, without relying on a pilot scheme.
The meeting reinforced why grassroots empowerment must extend beyond election periods. Restoration, Renewal and Resetting must mean restoring trust in grassroots leadership, renewing members’ economic prospects, and resetting how the party empowers its members economically and supports its constituencies between elections.
Issued by:
AOF4C — Akwasi Opong-Fosu for Chairman
