Paul Afoko Announces Comeback Bid for NPP National Chairmanship

October 28, 2025

Awentami Paul Afoko, former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has formally declared his intention to contest for the party's top leadership position in the upcoming election of national officers.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Afoko announced his decision to seek the National Chairmanship, citing encouragement from party members, supporters, and stakeholders who have called for renewed leadership.

"After extensive reflection and encouragement from many well-meaning members, supporters, and stakeholders of the New Patriotic Party, I am honoured to formally announce my intention to contest for the position of National Chairman in the upcoming election of national officers," Afoko stated.

The former chairman emphasized that his decision was not taken lightly, describing it as coming after "careful consideration and in response to the consistent calls for renewed leadership rooted in the founding values and democratic ideals of our Party."

Afoko stressed his commitment to prioritizing party unity, stating: "While the journey has not been without its trials, I have always chosen to prioritise the unity and progress of the NPP above all else."

In his declaration, Afoko outlined his focus on repositioning the party for future electoral success: "My focus now, as it has always been, is on the future - one where our Party stands re-energised, inclusive, and better positioned to deliver on its promise to the Ghanaian people."

The aspiring chairman pledged to engage more broadly with party faithful and the media in the coming weeks to share his "vision, ideas, and plans to lead the NPP with integrity, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose."

Paul Afoko's return to contest the NPP chairmanship represents a significant political comeback. His previous tenure as National Chairman was marked by internal party conflicts that eventually led to his suspension and subsequent removal from office in 2015-2016. The tensions during his chairmanship included disputes with then-flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo's campaign team, allegations of working against the party's interests, deep divisions within the party's national executive, and legal battles over his suspension and removal.

Afoko's chairmanship period was one of the most turbulent in recent NPP history. His leadership style and relationship with key party figures, including then-opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo, created significant rifts within the party ahead of the 2016 elections. His suspension in 2015 and subsequent indefinite suspension led to protracted legal battles, with Afoko challenging the legitimacy of the actions taken against him. Despite his removal, he maintained that he remained the legitimate chairman of the party.

Afoko concluded his statement with a call for unity and divine blessing: "Let us look ahead together. God bless the NPP. God bless our dear country."

The NPP is currently in opposition following its electoral defeat in the most recent general elections. The party is in a rebuilding phase, with internal debates about leadership direction and strategy for returning to power. Afoko's bid comes at a time when the party is evaluating its leadership structure and considering various candidates for national positions. His entry into the race is likely to generate significant discussion given his controversial history with the party.

Afoko's statement emphasized several core themes: unity and inclusivity, positioning himself as a unifying figure; democratic values and commitment to the party's founding principles; transparency and integrity, promising accountable leadership; future focus, looking forward rather than dwelling on past conflicts; and party renewal, offering fresh energy and direction.

As news of Afoko's declaration spreads, party members and political observers will be watching closely to gauge support levels among party delegates, response from current party leadership, reaction from party elders and founding members, impact on party unity given historical tensions, and competition from other potential candidates.

Several key questions surround Afoko's candidacy: Has he reconciled with party figures he clashed with during his previous tenure? Does he have sufficient delegate support to mount a credible campaign? Will party elders and influential members back his bid? Are there any outstanding legal or constitutional issues regarding his previous removal? How will he address the controversies of his previous chairmanship?

While Afoko has declared his intention to contest, specific dates for the NPP's national elections have not been officially announced. The party typically holds such elections during national delegates conferences, which are scheduled based on the party's constitutional provisions.

Afoko's campaign can be reached at: Email: afokocampaign@gmail.com; Phone: 0202447317; Location: Dzorwulu, Accra; Social Media: Awentami Paul Afoko (Facebook and X/Twitter).

Afoko's return to seek the chairmanship represents one of the most dramatic political comebacks in recent NPP history. Whether he can overcome past controversies and unite the party behind his leadership vision will be a major test of both his political skills and the NPP's willingness to move beyond historical divisions. His campaign slogan "Unity & Strength," prominently displayed in his press release, signals his intention to present himself as a healer of party wounds and a builder of consensus.

In the coming weeks, observers expect a detailed campaign manifesto from Afoko, public engagements with party members and media, potential emergence of other candidates for the chairmanship, internal party debates about leadership direction, and delegate consultations and regional tours.

This is a significant political development in Ghana's opposition party. Further updates will be provided as the NPP chairmanship race unfolds. The NPP is currently restructuring its leadership following electoral defeat, making this chairmanship election particularly consequential for the party's future direction and electoral prospects.