Former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has acknowledged growing calls from influential figures and stakeholder groups within the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) urging him to take up a leadership role in the party.

In a statement, Mr. Opong-Fosu revealed that over the past two months he has engaged in extensive consultations focused on repositioning the NDC through what he described as a "reset agenda" aimed at reconnecting the party with its grassroots base, restoring confidence in leadership, and inspiring renewed hope among members and supporters.

According to the statement, many stakeholders consulted during the process stressed the need for leadership anchored on integrity, credibility, inclusiveness, and a strong commitment to the party’s core values.

The consultations reportedly produced broad consensus that Mr. Opong-Fosu possesses the experience, institutional memory, and leadership qualities required to help guide the party through a critical period of renewal.

The former minister emphasized that any meaningful reset agenda must begin with a return to the foundational values and principles of the NDC, coupled with a renewed approach to leadership and governance.

He argued that such a transformation is necessary not only for the party but also for Ghana’s broader political and development landscape.

Mr. Opong-Fosu’s supporters point to his extensive public service record spanning more than four decades as evidence of his leadership credentials.

His career in public administration began under the administration of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, where he served as District Secretary and later District Chief Executive from 1982 to 2000.

He subsequently served as Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development between 2000 and 2001.

Under the administration of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, he served as Acting Minister for Local Government and Rural Development during the transition period and later as Head of the Local Government Service.

He returned to government under President John Dramani Mahama, serving as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, where he played a key role in advancing Ghana’s decentralisation agenda.

He later served as Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, overseeing policies aimed at promoting sustainable development and innovation.

Mr. Opong-Fosu also represented the Amenfi East Constituency in Parliament from 2013 to 2017.

Beyond his national roles, Mr. Opong-Fosu has held several continental leadership positions, including President of the Africa Union of Local Authorities and Chairman of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Local Government Platform.

His international engagements have seen him represent Ghana at various global forums, including the United Nations, the Crans Montana Forum, and the Wall Street Economic Summit, where he advocated sustainable development, decentralisation, and investment-led growth.

Currently, he serves as Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), where he contributes to efforts to attract investment and support economic growth. He also leads policy and development-focused institutions, including Africa Growth Solutions and the Africa Global Emergence Center.

In 2026, he was honoured with the Exemplary Leadership Award in India in recognition of his contributions to governance reform, decentralisation, and inclusive economic development across Africa.

Despite the growing calls for him to assume a leadership position within the NDC, Mr. Opong-Fosu stated that he remains humbled by the confidence expressed in him and will continue consultations with key stakeholders and constituencies within the party before making any final decision.

He indicated that a formal announcement regarding his future political plans will be made after the consultation process has been concluded.