The former chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Awentami Paul Afoko, has declared his intention to contest for the national chairmanship position of the New Patriotic Party.

In an official statement, the former chairman announced his intentions to once again contest for the national chairmanship, as he did in 2014.

In the April 2014 congress held in Tamale for the election of national executives for the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Awentami Paul Afoko emerged the winner for the national chairmanship position, pulling 2,032 votes, ahead of his contenders, Stephen Ntim with 1,500 votes and the then incumbent national chairman, Jakes Obetsebe Lamptey, who managed 66 votes.

However, in October 2015, Mr. Paul Afoko was suspended as chairman after the disciplinary committee of the party submitted a recommendation for his suspension to the National Executive Council of the party.

The first vice chairman, Mr. Freddie Blay, then became the acting national chairman, as the New Patriotic Party required.

Mr. Paul Afoko has once again declared his intention to contest for the position he held between April 2014 and October 2015, hoping to secure victory ahead of the likes of Hon. Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko, who had earlier on declared his participation in the contest.

Mr. Paul Afoko stated that his declaration has come “after extensive reflection and encouragement from many well-meaning members, supporters, and stakeholders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).”

He further stated that he was honored to once again contest for the National Chairmanship position of the party.

He further stated that his decision to contest is not just one that is out of the blue but one that has been carefully thought through and backed by the support of members who believe in his ability to rekindle renewed leadership.

“This decision has not been taken lightly. It has come after careful consideration and in response to the consistent calls for renewed leadership rooted in the founding values and democratic ideals of our party.
“My commitment to the NPP has remained steadfast through the years, and I believe the time has come to contribute, once again, to the rebuilding and strengthening of our party at this critical juncture.”
Mr. Awentami Paul Afoko, Former National Chairman and National Chairman Hopeful, New Patriotic Party (NPP)

He further admitted that even though he has always been committed to the course of the party, he has had to overcome trials and put the unity of the party first.

“While the journey has not been without trials, I have always chosen to prioritize the unity and progress of the NPP above all else. My focus now, as it has always been, is one future, one where our party stands re-energized, inclusive, and better positioned to deliver on its promise to the Ghanaian people.”
Mr. Awentami Paul Afoko, Former National Chairman and National Chairman Hopeful, New Patriotic Party (NPP)

Mr. Paul Afoko further stated that he will, in the coming weeks, start broader engagements with key members of the New Patriotic Party, as well as the media, to share with the general public his vision, ideals, and plans with which he intends to use to lead the party should he be elected.

He emphasized that his leadership shall be one that is underpinned by “integrity, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose.”

The national congress for the election of national executives of the New Patriotic Party is scheduled to be held after the presidential primaries that is scheduled for January 31, 2025. This top-down approach by the party this time around is one that has faced criticism from many noble individuals of the party and some ‘onlookers.’

Some suggested that it was better they stick to the usual bottom-up approach whereby national executives are elected before the flagbearer. However, the National Executive Council has decided to go with the top-down approach.

Mr. Afoko will therefore be poised for victory in the upcoming national executives’ elections for the New Patriotic Party, as he goes against the likes of Hon. Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko and other members who may join the contest later.

Mr. Paul Afoko, Former National Chairman, NPP, National Chairman Hopeful, New Patriotic Party, Hon. Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko, National Executive Council, presidential primaries