Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman Paul Awentami Afoko has formally filed his nomination to contest the party’s national chairmanship, promising to unite the party, rebuild its grassroots structures and position the NPP for victory in the 2028 elections.
Afoko submitted his nomination at the NPP headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, where he addressed party executives, delegates and supporters about his vision for the party.
The former NPP chairman said his decision to return to the contest is driven by the need to heal internal divisions and reorganise the party following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
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Afoko said he is returning to the NPP chairmanship contest without bitterness or rancour and stressed that the NPP must put its internal divisions behind it.
“I return without bitterness. I return without rancour,” he said.
He reminded delegates that the party is bigger than any individual, including himself.
Afoko said the NPP must create an environment where all members feel valued, regardless of which candidate they supported in previous internal contests.
“There cannot be one NPP for those who supported Candidate A and another NPP for those who supported Candidate B,” he said. “There is only one New Patriotic Party.”
His pledge for unity comes as the NPP prepares for its national executive elections and begins efforts to rebuild its political structures ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Afoko also outlined plans to strengthen the NPP’s grassroots organisation, arguing that the party’s electoral fortunes depend on rebuilding its structures from the polling station level upwards.
He pledged to strengthen constituency structures, respect polling station executives and improve coordination across the party.
The former chairman also promised to modernise the party’s communications machinery and make its electoral operations more data-driven.
According to Afoko, the NPP must begin its rebuilding process immediately rather than wait until the 2028 election year.
Afoko further pledged to work with NPP presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to return the party to government in 2028 if elected national chairman.
“If you elect me National Chairman, I will work loyally and tirelessly with Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to return the New Patriotic Party to government in 2028,” he said.
He rejected suggestions that the NPP’s presidential candidate and national chairman should not come from the same broad geographical area.
Afoko urged delegates to judge candidates based on their competence, integrity, experience and temperament rather than geographical considerations.
The former chairman promised not to impose preferred candidates for other national executive positions if he wins the NPP chairmanship.
“I have no preferred candidate for General Secretary. I have no preferred candidate for National Organiser. I have no preferred candidate for Treasurer,” he said.
He urged delegates to independently assess all candidates and vote according to their own judgement.
Afoko said his previous experience in the NPP chairmanship had taught him valuable lessons, including from the difficulties he encountered while in office.
“I do not ask you to return me to office simply because of what I did yesterday,” he said. “I ask you to elect me because what I learnt yesterday can help us win tomorrow.”
Afoko’s candidacy comes at a critical moment for the NPP as the party seeks to rebuild after its 2024 electoral defeat and prepare for the next general election.
He said the party’s return to power would require immediate action to rebuild its electoral machinery and strengthen its grassroots base.
Appealing to delegates for their support, Afoko pledged to serve as chairman of the entire NPP rather than represent any faction.
“No Afoko faction. No regional faction. No candidate’s faction. One Party. One family. One purpose. One united NPP,” he declared.
His message of unity and organisational renewal is expected to be a central theme of his campaign as the NPP heads towards its national executive elections.