Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman Paul Afoko has officially filed his nomination to contest the party’s National Chairmanship position, promising to reunite, reorganise and reposition the NPP to regain political power in Ghana’s 2028 general election.
Speaking at the NPP headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Afoko said his decision to seek a return to the leadership position was influenced by his experience within the party and lessons learned from previous challenges.
He emphasised that filing his nomination does not guarantee victory, stressing that the final decision rests with NPP delegates.
Paul Afoko Unveils ‘Reunite, Reorganise, Recapture’ Agenda
Afoko said his engagements with party members across various levels over recent months revealed a strong desire for greater unity, discipline, organisation and grassroots participation within the NPP.
He therefore outlined a three-point campaign agenda: Reunite, Reorganise and Recapture.
According to him, the party must overcome divisions created by previous internal elections and ensure that members are not separated into factions based on their preferred candidates.
Afoko pledged that, if elected National Chairman, he would lead an inclusive NPP without using the position to reward allies or punish political opponents.
NPP Grassroots Organisation Must Be Strengthened
The former NPP chairman said the party’s future success must be built from the polling station level, rather than relying solely on the national headquarters during election periods.
He called for greater support and recognition for Polling Station Executives, Electoral Area Coordinators and Constituency Officers, arguing that grassroots structures are critical to the NPP’s electoral success.
Afoko also promised to strengthen the party’s communications strategy and introduce more data-driven electoral systems.
He further highlighted the importance of TESCON, women and young people in rebuilding the party and attracting a new generation of supporters.
Afoko Backs Bawumia for 2028 Presidential Election
Afoko pledged to work closely with NPP presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, saying the party’s flagbearer contest had ended and the focus must now shift toward winning the 2028 general election.
He said the National Chairman and presidential candidate would have complementary responsibilities, with the presidential candidate leading the national campaign while the party chairman focuses on strengthening the organisation and converting the NPP’s political message into votes.
Afoko stressed that the NPP cannot wait until 2028 to prepare for the election.
Paul Afoko Rejects Regional Arguments Over NPP Chairmanship
Afoko also rejected arguments that the NPP’s next National Chairman should not come from northern Ghana because Dr Bawumia is from the region.
He argued that leadership positions within the NPP should be determined by competence, integrity, experience, character and ability, rather than geographical considerations.
He maintained that Dr Bawumia was elected to lead the entire NPP and that his own ambition is to serve as National Chairman of the party at the national level.
Using the NPP’s elephant symbol, Afoko said every part of the party must work together to achieve electoral success.
Afoko Says He Has No ‘Slate’
The former chairman also dismissed claims that he is supporting a preferred group of candidates for other national executive positions.
He said delegates should independently choose candidates for positions including General Secretary, National Organiser, Treasurer and Vice Chairman.
“If elected, Afoko said he would work with all national executives chosen by delegates, regardless of whether they supported his campaign.
Afoko Targets NPP Victory in 2028
Reflecting on his previous tenure as National Chairman, Afoko said he had learned valuable lessons from both his achievements and challenges.
He urged delegates to consider his experience as they decide who should lead the party.
Afoko ultimately presented his campaign as a commitment to every member of the NPP, insisting that he would not represent a faction, candidate, region or generation.
His campaign message is centred on “Reunite the Party. Reorganise the Party. Recapture power in 2028.”
Source: newsthemegh.com