Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, says he is committed to rebuilding unity within the party if he is elected National Chairman in the party’s upcoming internal elections.
According to Mr. Afoko, restoring cohesion among party members will be essential if the NPP is to improve its electoral prospects in future national elections.
Speaking in an interview with Kwesi Parker Wilson, Mr. Afoko rejected calls by some party supporters for the expulsion of former presidential aspirant Kennedy Agyapong, arguing that unity and inclusiveness are critical to the party’s success.
He said excluding influential members would weaken the party rather than strengthen it.
“During the last election, some people did not vote because of bitterness. When you are in a hole and want to come out, you don’t dig further; otherwise, you will sink deeper,” he said.
Mr. Afoko stated that, if elected, one of his key priorities would be to reconcile the party’s various factions and encourage all members to work towards a common goal.
He pointed to the efforts of the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who, according to him, brought together his former competitors after the party’s presidential primaries by involving them in a committee.
“Bawumia has stated that he formed a committee and appointed all his contenders as members,” Mr. Afoko said.
The former chairman disclosed that he has held discussions with several senior figures in the party, including Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Bryan Acheampong and Kwabena Agyapong, as part of his efforts to promote reconciliation.
According to Mr. Afoko, none of the individuals he met indicated that they intended to leave the NPP.
He also shared details of his conversation with Mr. Agyapong, saying he encouraged the former Assin Central MP to play a more active role in the party if he returns as National Chairman.
Recalling their discussion, Mr. Afoko said he informed Mr. Agyapong of his intention to contest the chairmanship and expressed his desire to work with him if elected.
According to Mr. Afoko, Kennedy Agyapong responded by saying, “Senior, go, and when you win, come back for us to talk.” Mr. Afoko said he interpreted the response as a positive sign that dialogue and cooperation remain possible.
The former chairman expressed confidence in his ability to unite the party, citing his previous experience in leading the NPP.
“I did it in 2014, and I can do it now,” he said.
Background
Paul Afoko was elected National Chairman of the NPP in April 2014. In October 2015, the party’s National Executive Committee suspended him following internal disciplinary proceedings over allegations that his conduct was detrimental to the party’s interests.
Mr. Afoko rejected the allegations at the time and maintained that his suspension was unjustified. Following his suspension, Freddie Blay served as Acting National Chairman until the party elected new national executives.
The NPP went on to win the 2016 general election, returning to power under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
