Former New Patriotic Party national chairman Paul Awentami Afoko has announced his intention to contest the position again, returning to an internal leadership race more than a decade after his earlier tenure ended in suspension.
Mr Afoko made the declaration at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday after what he described as months of consultation with party elders, executives, patrons, former officeholders, Members of Parliament, candidates and grassroots members across all 16 regions.
He said his programme would be guided by three objectives: reunite the party, rebuild its structures and recapture political power. The declaration remains subject to the NPP’s nomination rules, vetting and election procedures.
Mr Afoko said his consultations were not a formal campaign and pledged to respect the party’s timetable. His announcement establishes his intention to compete but does not amount to party endorsement or confirmation of his candidacy.
Unity formed the first part of his message. He argued that the NPP cannot win national elections while internal wounds remain open and members feel excluded or humiliated. He presented himself as a prospective reconciler rather than the leader of one faction against another.
His second theme concerned organisation. Mr Afoko called for stronger polling-station, electoral-area, constituency and regional structures, supported by credible data, disciplined communication and resources reaching local organisers.
He linked that approach to his previous period as chairman, pointing to constituency support and parliamentary-primary organisation. He acknowledged that he did not complete his term but said he had continued paying dues and supporting party activities after his suspension.
The third objective was a return to government. He said the NPP should reconnect its identity with enterprise, opportunity, private initiative and accountable government while demonstrating that it has learned from its electoral setbacks.
Mr Afoko also stressed youth and women’s participation. He argued that younger members need clearer routes into leadership and that women should be central to organisation, fundraising, communication and policy engagement rather than treated as an auxiliary group.
He directly addressed questions about both the party’s presidential candidate and a potential national chairman coming from northern Ghana. Mr Afoko, who is from the Upper East Region, rejected regional calculations as the main test of leadership.
He said the party should judge candidates by their ability to unite, organise, recover parliamentary seats and support Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He described the NPP as a national tradition formed from several political movements and regional constituencies.
On the party’s 2024 setback, Mr Afoko argued against placing responsibility on one person. He listed organisation, communication, economic conditions, grassroots morale, candidate selection and public trust among the factors that shape election outcomes.
His bid will require members to assess both his programme and his past leadership. Supporters may point to experience and organisational knowledge; opponents may question whether old disputes can be separated from a new chairmanship campaign.
The contest will also test whether calls for reconciliation can survive competitive internal politics. Mr Afoko urged aspirants and supporters to disagree without destroying the party’s ability to unite after elections.
Mr Afoko’s announcement begins his effort to return to the chairmanship but does not complete the party’s nomination process. His eligibility and place on the ballot remain subject to the NPP’s rules.
The national chairmanship will be decided through the party’s internal election. Delegates will assess his reconciliation and organisation programme alongside the records and proposals of other qualified aspirants.
