Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Awentami Paul Afoko, has called on the party to rebuild its relationship with the business community and return to its roots as a promoter of enterprise, innovation and wealth creation.
Mr Afoko made the remarks in Accra while announcing his intention to contest the NPP’s National Chairman position. He admitted that some businesses lost confidence in the party following certain policies and decisions implemented during its previous administration.
According to him, the concerns expressed by sections of the business community contributed to economic difficulties, uncertainty and declining trust, which the party must address through honest reflection and corrective measures.
“The NPP must regain your trust. We know that mistakes were made. We know that some of you felt disappointed. We know that some policies and actions created hardship, uncertainty, or frustration. As a party, we must have the humility to listen, to learn, and to correct what went wrong,” he said.
Mr Afoko said the NPP’s identity has traditionally been associated with economic empowerment, private sector growth and creating opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive.
He stressed that the party must reconnect with key economic players, including traders, manufacturers, farmers, transport operators, artisans, professionals, contractors, technology entrepreneurs and young business owners, to develop a new economic agenda.
“The NPP remains the natural home of business, enterprise, innovation, and wealth creation. We must work with traders, manufacturers, farmers, transport operators, artisans, professionals, contractors, technology entrepreneurs, and young start-ups to build a new prosperity agenda,” he added.
The former chairman noted that a strong partnership between government and the private sector is essential to creating jobs, strengthening economic stability and promoting national development.
He argued that rebuilding confidence among businesses would require more than political assurances, but concrete policies that encourage investment, support entrepreneurship and create opportunities for citizens.
Mr Afoko maintained that the NPP’s ability to regain political relevance will depend on its commitment to convincing Ghanaians, especially entrepreneurs and business owners, that it remains dedicated to building an economy driven by innovation and opportunity.
