The race for the National Chairman position of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has seen a new twist, with the expression of interest by former chairman Awentami Paul Afoko.
He declared his intention to contest for the National Chairman position on Tuesday, 28 October, 2025 which is exactly 10 years and five days after he was suspended indefinitely from the same position.
Announcing his intention, the man who silently left the political scene after his suspension, indicated that the decision to contest for the chairmanship position again “has not been taken lightly.”
He said it followed “an extensive reflection and encouragement from many well-meaning members, supporters, and stakeholders” of the NPP.
COMMITMENT
According to Paul Afoko, his commitment to the party remained steadfast all these years, adding that he believed it was time for him “to contribute once again” to the rebuilding of the NPP.
Paul Afoko said regardless of the past, the unity and progress of the NPP remain his priority and his focus is an energised, inclusive party poised to deliver on its promises to Ghanaians.
NEXT
In the coming weeks, Paul Afoko says he will engage “more broadly” with Party faithful and the media to share his vision, ideas, and plans to lead the NPP.
The statement indicated that he would lead the party “with integrity, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose. Let us look ahead together. God bless the NPP. God bless our dear country.”
ASPIRANTS
Awetami Paul Afoko adds to the list of persons who have already announced their readiness to be elected as the next chairman of the NPP.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the former General Secretary, John Boadu have declared their intentions.
Also, former Minister for Energy under the first term of the Akufo-Addo government, Boakye Agyarko; former Vice Chairman, Sammy Crabbe and David Kankam Boadu have also entered the race.
Over the last weekend, former Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government, Asamoah Boateng, announced his intention to contest.
SUSPENSION
The decision to suspend Paul Afoko, then National Chairman, was taken at a National Executive Committee meeting on Friday, October 23, 2015 convened by the party’s first chairman, Freddie Worsemawu Blay, at the Asylum Down Headquarters.
The NEC members present unanimously agreed on the suspension after the party’s Council of Elders ordered the Disciplinary Committee of the NPP to ensure the suspension of Paul Afoko.
Reports suggested that the then flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the then Second Vice Chairman, Sammy Crabbe and the then General Secretary, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, were all not present.
Some party supporters had accused Paul Afoko of sabotaging the party’s chances of winning the 2016 elections.
He was suspended indefinitely alongside the General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong and Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe.
COURT
Paul Afoko challenged the party’s decision in court but lost. On December 7, 2015, he filed the suit at the Accra High Court, Human Rights Division, citing the NPP and then Acting National Chairman Freddie Blay for unconstitutional and unlawful acts.
The Court on August 15, 2016, dismissed the case, stating that the NPP’s National Executive Committee acted lawfully by adopting the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee of the party to him.
HISTORY
On April 12, 2014 Paul Afoko was declared chairman of the NPP at the party’s congress in Tamale, winning by a margin of 531 votes.
Paul Afoko secured 2,034 votes against his closest contender, Stephen Ntim, the current chairman, who at the time garnered 1,503 votes.
Though short-lived, Chairman Afoko, in his time, implemented a financial initiative where he ‘pushed 10,000 cedis’ into every single constituency to ensure they opened and maintained bank accounts.
He initiated this to modernise party operations and ensure transparency, despite facing strong internal opposition.
Meanwhile, Paul Afoko has returned to the political scene, eyeing the same chairmanship position with a clear vision of rebuilding and strengthening the party, ensuring inclusivity, and instilling integrity and transparency.
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