New Patriotic Party National Chairman aspirant Paul Afoko has commended the party’s vetting committee for conducting what he described as a fair, firm and thorough exercise.
Mr Afoko praised the committee’s approach after appearing before the panel chaired by former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah as part of the ongoing internal elections for national executives. The National Chairman aspirant noted that the quality of the committee and the depth of its questioning created an opportunity for serious engagement rather than a routine assessment of his candidature.
He explained that some of the questions went beyond issues he anticipated and prompted him to reconsider aspects of his strategic thinking ahead of the party’s preparations for the 2028 general election. The exercise, he suggested, was therefore useful because it required candidates to think carefully and respond to issues without relying solely on prepared positions.
“The process was very fair. It was firm, and in fact, there was a lot of frank discussion. The calibre of the committee is not small. The way they posed certain questions is something I am definitely going to include in my strategic planning for the party going to 2028.”
Paul Awentami Afoko
The National Chairman aspirant, however, declined to disclose the specific issues raised during the vetting, explaining that candidates had been required to sign confidentiality documents before the questioning began. He stressed that revealing details of the discussions could undermine the strategic value of ideas that may eventually form part of the party’s campaign and organisational plans.
According to Mr Afoko, confidentiality was particularly important because the NPP would need carefully considered strategies to compete effectively for political power in 2028. He therefore urged the public and party supporters to understand his decision not to disclose the substance of the questions, especially where the issues concerned prospective strategies for the party.
The former National Chairman also expressed confidence about his performance before the committee, indicating that he was able to respond to the questions put to him. He noted that he received no indication during the exercise that the committee was dissatisfied with his responses, giving him confidence about his prospects of successfully completing the vetting process.
The National Chairman aspirant’s return to the contest comes as the NPP prepares to elect a new team of national executives to lead the party into its next phase. Mr Afoko previously served as the party’s National Chairman and has returned to the contest with a platform centred on rebuilding the organisation and strengthening its internal structures.
The latest vetting exercise, therefore, forms part of a broader process through which the party is assessing aspirants seeking positions in its next national leadership scheduled for October, 2026. This comes after the party completed its regional elections.
Grassroots Renewal Remains Central To NPP’s 2028 Recovery Strategy
National Chairman aspirant Paul Afoko also reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding the New Patriotic Party through stronger grassroots structures, reconciliation and disciplined organisation ahead of the 2028 general election.
The former National Chairman made the position clear as he continued his campaign across the country following his appearance before the party’s vetting committee. Mr Afoko indicated that his campaign was progressing well and that he has already visited several regions as part of efforts to engage party members and delegates.
He explained that the completion of the vetting process would not slow his activities, as he intended to resume his nationwide engagements immediately. “I have done quite a few regions, and after today, I am setting off to continue campaigning around the country. So the campaign is going okay,” he explained.
The National Chairman aspirant’s campaign comes against the backdrop of his earlier call for the NPP to return greater authority to its internal structures and strengthen its relationship with members at the grassroots. His proposed approach places particular emphasis on empowering polling station executives, electoral area officers, constituency leaders and regional structures to become more effective participants in the party’s organisation.
Beyond organisation, his broader agenda includes reconciliation and the restoration of unity within the party, with the former National Chairman presenting his leadership ambition as an attempt to bridge divisions and bring different groups together. He has previously described his approach through the three Rs of reunite, rebuild and recapture, linking internal cohesion with organisational renewal and the ultimate objective of returning the NPP to government.
The National Chairman aspirant has also outlined a leadership style that would combine organisation with reconciliation, accountability and engagement with members. His vision for the position includes functioning as a team player while also taking responsibility for organising the party, resolving internal disputes, mobilising resources and listening to members at different levels.
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