The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to review the intent of suspended former party Chairman, Awentami Paul Afoko, to contest the party’s chairmanship.
The party’s Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, told the Daily Graphic that Mr. Afoko remains a member of the NPP, as he has not joined or formed another party since his suspension in 2015. He noted that the party had granted amnesty to several suspended members and expressed confidence that the NEC would also review Mr. Afoko’s case.
“Since his suspension as party chairman, Mr. Afoko has conducted himself well and has done nothing to bring the party’s name into disrepute. The party has no problem with him and will decide on his case when NEC reviews it,” Mr. Mohammed said.
Regarding his decision to contest again, Mr. Mohammed explained that every election comes with guidelines set by the NEC. He added that the NEC has not yet established the guidelines for the contest for national executive positions nor opened nominations.
Mr. Afoko announced last Tuesday his intention to seek re-election as party chairman. In a statement issued in Accra, he said his decision followed “extensive reflection and encouragement from many well-meaning members, supporters and stakeholders of the New Patriotic Party.” He stressed the need for “renewed leadership rooted in the founding values and democratic ideals” of the party.
Acknowledging the personal challenges he has faced, Mr. Afoko emphasized that he has “always chosen to prioritise the unity and progress of the NPP.” His spokesperson, Nana Yaw Osei, added that Mr. Afoko aims to rebuild and strengthen the party by promoting inclusivity, accountability, integrity, transparency, and a clear sense of purpose.
Mr. Afoko first won the NPP Chairmanship on April 12, 2014, at a party congress in Tamale, becoming the first northern Ghanaian (a Builsa from the Upper East Region) to hold the position. His tenure was marked by severe factional conflicts and allegations of undermining then-flag bearer, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which led to his indefinite suspension in 2015, along with the suspension of General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong and Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe. The suspensions triggered a constitutional crisis that was later contested in court.
During his tenure, Mr. Afoko pursued a reformist agenda, including a financial initiative that allocated GH₵10,000 to every constituency to ensure bank accounts were opened and maintained, a move intended to modernize party operations and improve transparency despite strong internal opposition.
His second bid for the chairmanship reflects his belief that his suspension—which he has contested as legally and constitutionally flawed—was unjust. It also underscores his continued commitment to reforming the party’s institutional framework.
Aside from Mr. Afoko, other NPP stalwarts, including Boakye Ayarko, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, John Boadu, and Kankam Boadu, have declared their intention to contest for the party’s chairmanship.