Awentami Paul Afoko, the former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has revealed he is seriously considering a bid to reclaim the party’s top leadership position.
In an interview with Kojo Marfo on AbusuaNkommo at Abusua965FM, Afoko said several party supporters and senior figures have approached him, urging him to contest the chairmanship once again.
He explained that the party appears to be heading in the wrong direction and is in urgent need of restructuring and guidance.
“I came to Kumasi for a funeral, and many people approached me expressing their concerns about the party’s trajectory. They believe the party needs to be reorganized,” Afoko said.
“Senior party members and loyalists both active and inactive have told me there is a need for me to return to help rebuild and steer the party forward,” he added.
Afoko emphasized his deep commitment to the party, noting that any decision to run again must be carefully considered with counsel from party elders.
“I cannot just announce my intention without serious thought. I am currently in discussions with some elders because this is not a decision to be taken lightly.”
He highlighted the critical role of polling station executives in the party’s structure, citing their influence on electoral outcomes.
Afoko explained “The polling station executives hold the real power. The biggest wins for the NDC, which gave them a two-thirds majority in Parliament, came from their strong grassroots structures. When I initially won the chairmanship, it was largely due to support at the polling station level, especially in the Ashanti Region.”
Afoko said that if he decides to run again, it will be with the explicit backing of the grassroots polling station executives.
“Besides the elders’ advice, it’s imperative that the people who hold power at the grassroots (polling station) make it clear that they want me back and will support my leadership.”
When pressed on whether he is seriously considering the race, Afoko responded with a firm “yes, I am considering” returning to lead the NPP once more.
Who Is Paul Afoko?
Paul Afoko is a Ghanaian politician and businessman who served as the National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Afoko made history as the first person from Northern Ghana to hold the chairmanship of the predominantly southern-dominated NPP. He was elected National Chairman in 2014.
Afoko is noted for his strong belief in democratic governance and his active opposition to military rule during the Rawlings era, which led to his exile for some time.
He is a financial analyst and successful businessman and has been an influential figure within the NPP, known for his strategic and organizational skills.
His tenure as chairman was marked by internal party conflicts, culminating in his suspension in 2015. Since then, he has maintained a critical perspective on the party’s direction and has considered returning to leadership to help restructure it.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
