Paul Afoko, a hopeful for the national chairmanship of the New Patriotic Party, has urged the party to choose its next national executives based on merit and ability instead of ethnic affiliation as he steps up his nationwide consultations ahead of the party’s National Delegates Conference.
Mr Afoko made the remarks during separate meetings with the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders and the Ashanti Regional Executives in Kumasi as part of a broader engagement with party stakeholders to promote unity and present himself as a strong contender for the chairmanship position. Speaking to both groups, he voiced concern over the NPP’s current condition following its 2024 electoral loss, while warning against engaging in a counterproductive blame game. “We need to gather collective experiences,” he urged, stressing the need to focus efforts on rebuilding the party rather than assigning blame.
He stressed that his ambition is driven by a desire to restore and strengthen the party’s structures. “I would want to be remembered for rebuilding the party. We must all put our hands on deck. We cannot sit and watch the party slide backwards,” he said.
Mr Afoko also acknowledged the vital role of the Ashanti Region in the NPP’s electoral strategy. “The heartbeat of the NPP is the Ashanti Region, and that remains a fact. I am open to advice because you are the ones running the party,” he told the regional leadership, highlighting the importance of grassroots structures to the party’s electoral success.
He also called for greater unity within the party, stressing that the party cannot risk allowing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to remain in power. He emphasized the need for members to pool their experience and expertise to strengthen the party’s chances ahead of the 2028 general elections.
At both meetings, speakers urged Mr. Afoko to stay focused on his efforts to rebuild the party and prepare it to become a strong contender in 2028. Mr. Afoko is promoting what he describes as his “3R Agenda” — Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture — which he believes is the key strategy for returning the NPP to power.
