Akwasi Opong-Fosu, a contender for the National Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has proposed a grassroots empowerment framework centred on Votes, Voice and Viability.

The proposal, described as the “3Vs”, is aimed at strengthening the role of branch and constituency members while creating opportunities for them to improve their economic prospects beyond election periods.

The proposal was presented during an engagement with NDC branch members on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

Under the Votes component, Mr Opong-Fosu proposes greater recognition and support for branch and constituency members whose mobilisation efforts contribute to the party’s electoral strength.

The Voice component seeks to give grassroots members a clearer role in shaping party decisions, including a mechanism through which proposals from branches and constituencies can reach regional and national leadership and receive responses.

The third component, Viability, focuses on improving the economic prospects of members and strengthening constituency structures so they can remain financially sustainable between elections.

Under the proposal, constituencies would identify business opportunities based on their local economies and help interested members access skills training, apprenticeships, mentorship and markets.

The proposal also envisages support for the establishment of lawful, member-owned businesses and cooperatives, with proper ownership structures and financial records.

Mr Opong-Fosu is proposing the establishment of a Business Development Directorate at the party’s headquarters to coordinate constituency-level business activities.

The directorate would provide technical support, connect local structures with credible partners and promote accountability in the management of the businesses.

However, the proposal would allow individual constituencies to determine the activities most suitable for their local circumstances.

Mr Opong-Fosu said the engagement reinforced the need for grassroots empowerment to extend beyond election campaigns.

He linked the proposal to the NDC’s stated theme of “Restoration, Renewal and Resetting”, arguing that the concept should also apply to the relationship between the party’s leadership and its grassroots.

Under his framework, restoration would involve rebuilding trust in grassroots leadership, renewal would focus on improving members’ economic prospects, while resetting would involve changing how the party supports its members and constituency structures between elections.

The proposal is intended to be implemented across constituencies rather than through a pilot programme.

Mr Opong-Fosu’s campaign, AOF4C – Akwasi Opong-Fosu for Chairman, says the framework is designed to make grassroots structures more economically viable while giving members a stronger role in the party’s decision-making processes.