The Aspiring Leaders Should Outline How Appointment Will Be – Inusah Fuseini

Former Roads Minister Inusah Fuseini has argued that aspiring leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should clearly outline how appointments will be distributed if the party wins political power.

Speaking during a discussion on party leadership and governance, Fuseini said the process of choosing a flagbearer should not end with the election alone. According to him, once a flagbearer is selected, the next important step is the development of a manifesto that reflects the expectations of the Ghanaian people.

He explained that the NDC previously adopted a “bottom-up approach” in drafting its manifesto, where former President John Dramani Mahama travelled across the country to engage citizens and gather their views on national priorities. Those consultations, he said, helped shape the party’s policy proposals.

Fuseini added that beyond the manifesto, there should also be a clear framework for political appointments if the party forms government. Such a framework, he said, would help determine how ministerial and other key positions are distributed across regions and party structures.

According to him, a governance committee within the party once worked on criteria that could guide appointments in government, including considerations such as regional balance and the level of electoral support delivered by different areas.

He suggested that individuals seeking to lead the party should openly communicate their plans regarding appointments during their campaign. For instance, they could indicate what proportion of positions might go to party executives, ordinary party members, technocrats, or individuals outside the party.

Fuseini maintained that discussing such issues transparently would help party members better understand the leadership style and priorities of those seeking the top position.

He also noted that the Ghanaian Constitution already provides certain guidelines for public appointments and governance, which leaders must respect when forming a government.

According to him, some institutions and officials who serve the state—such as those in the security services—perform duties on behalf of the government but are expected to operate within constitutional frameworks rather than partisan considerations.

Fuseini’s remarks come amid ongoing conversations within the NDC about leadership direction, internal democracy, and the party’s strategy for future elections.