Former National Chairman Awentami Paul Afoko has formally announced his intention to contest for the NPP’s top executive position for a second stint in the upcoming national officers’ election.
The declaration, delivered via a brief statement today (Tuesday, October 28), marks a significant step toward a political comeback for the veteran politician, whose tenure was dramatically cut short by a controversial suspension nearly a decade ago.
Mr. Afoko stated his decision followed “extensive reflection and encouragement from many well-meaning members, supporters, and stakeholders of the New Patriotic Party.”
The Historical Context: Tenure and Suspension
Mr. Afoko’s return to the electoral fray reintroduces one of the most turbulent periods in the NPP’s recent history into the national discourse.
- Historic Victory (2014): Paul Afoko achieved a historic win on April 12, 2014, at a party congress in Tamale, becoming the first person of Northern Ghanaian extraction (a Builsa from the Upper East Region) to occupy the National Chairmanship post. He secured a decisive majority, polling 2,034 votes against his closest rival, Stephen Ntim, who garnered 1,503 votes, a margin of 531 votes.
- Reformist Agenda: During his short-lived tenure, Afoko pursued a reformist agenda focused on strengthening grassroots structures. He famously implemented a financial initiative where he ‘pushed 10,000 cedis’ into every single constituency to ensure they opened and maintained bank accounts, a measure he insisted on to modernise party operations and ensure transparency, despite facing strong internal opposition.
- Controversial Suspension (2015): His chairmanship was marred by severe factional conflicts and allegations of undermining the then-flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo. The internal conflict culminated in his indefinite suspension in 2015 by the party’s disciplinary committee. This action, alongside the suspension of General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong and Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe at the time, plunged the party into a deep constitutional crisis that was ultimately contested in court.
Afoko’s Stance and Future Vision
Afoko’s announcement is framed around the need for “renewed leadership rooted in the founding values and democratic ideals” of the NPP.
He acknowledged the personal difficulties he endured, noting that the journey “has not been without its trials,” but stressed that he has “always chosen to prioritise the unity and progress of the NPP.”
His core platform, which he promises to detail in the coming weeks, is centred on:
- Rebuilding and Strengthening: A commitment to re-energizing the party structure.
- Inclusivity: Ensuring the party is broad-based and representative of all stakeholders.
- Integrity and Transparency: Leading the party with accountability and a clear sense of purpose.
Political and Legal Significance
The bid for the chairmanship places Afoko in direct confrontation with the current party leadership and structure that oversaw his removal.
His return signifies a persistent belief that his suspension—which he disputed as both legally and constitutionally flawed—was unjust.
While recent reports suggested Mr. Afoko was disillusioned with active politics, having described his experience as a “thankless job” after his legal challenges against the suspension were dismissed, his declaration signals a change of heart, driven by a desire to fulfil his mandate to reform the party’s institutional framework.
