Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman hopeful Paul Afoko has pledged to work closely with the party’s presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to help return the NPP to government in the 2028 general elections.
Mr Afoko made the commitment after filing his nomination to contest the party’s National Chairmanship election at the NPP headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Addressing party delegates, Mr Afoko said Dr Bawumia had already secured the party’s presidential candidacy and that the focus must now shift towards building a united and effective party capable of winning the next election.
“If you elect me National Chairman, I will work loyally and tirelessly with Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to return the New Patriotic Party to government in 2028,” he said.
He stressed that the roles of the presidential candidate and National Chairman should complement each other, with the flagbearer leading the party’s national electoral campaign while the National Chairman focuses on strengthening the party’s organisational structures and translating the campaign message into votes.
Mr Afoko also rejected suggestions that the NPP’s next National Chairman should come from outside northern Ghana because Dr Bawumia is from the northern part of the country.
He argued that the NPP is a national political organisation and that its leadership should be determined by competence, integrity, experience, temperament and the ability to perform the required responsibilities rather than geographical considerations.
“Dr Bawumia was not elected to represent northern Ghana. He was elected to lead the New Patriotic Party,” Mr Afoko said.
“I am not seeking to become Chairman of northern Ghana. I am seeking to become National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party of Ghana.”
He said the party must avoid geographical divisions and instead focus on building a strong organisation capable of winning votes across all regions.
Mr Afoko also declared that he would not endorse or promote a slate of candidates for other national executive positions.
“Paul Afoko has no slate,” he stated, explaining that delegates should be allowed to independently choose candidates for positions including General Secretary, National Organiser, Treasurer and Vice Chairpersons.
He said if elected National Chairman, he would work with whichever candidates the delegates choose.
“I do not need an Afoko team at national headquarters. I need an NPP team,” he said.
Mr Afoko further said he was relying on his previous experience as National Chairman to offer the party a leadership focused on strengthening constituency structures, ensuring responsible management of party resources and promoting credible internal elections.
He said his past experience, including both successes and challenges, had provided lessons that could help the party prepare for the 2028 elections.
“I ask you to elect me because what I learnt yesterday can help us win tomorrow,” he said.
Mr Afoko urged NPP delegates to assess all candidates based on their records, character, competence and vision before casting their votes.
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