NPP’s National Executive Committee to Decide on Paul Afoko’s Return as Chairmanship Aspirant

The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has confirmed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will determine the fate of suspended former Chairman Awentami Paul Afoko, following his public declaration of intent to contest the chairmanship position once again.

According to Mr Mohammed, the NEC is expected to deliberate on Mr Afoko’s case in due time, as he remains a bona fide member of the party despite his long-standing suspension in 2015. He stated that the party had previously granted amnesty to several suspended members and believes that the same process could be applied to Mr Afoko.

“Mr Afoko has not joined another party or formed a new one since his suspension. He has also conducted himself responsibly and has not acted in a way that brings the party into disrepute,” Haruna Mohammed told the Daily Graphic. “The party has no problem with him and will decide on his case when NEC looks into it.”

Mr Mohammed further clarified that the NEC has not yet opened nominations or set guidelines for the upcoming national executive elections. Therefore, any decision regarding Mr Afoko’s eligibility will depend on the final approval of the committee once internal election processes are formalised.

Paul Afoko’s announcement to recontest the chairmanship was made in Accra last Tuesday, marking a dramatic return to NPP’s leadership race nearly a decade after his indefinite suspension. In his official statement, the former chairman explained that his decision followed “extensive reflection and encouragement from well-meaning members, supporters, and stakeholders of the NPP.”

He described his renewed ambition as part of a vision to restore the party’s founding values and democratic integrity, adding that his experiences had reinforced his commitment to unity and reform. “The journey has not been without its trials,” the statement noted, “but I have always chosen to prioritise the unity and progress of the NPP.”

Afoko’s spokesperson, Nana Yaw Osei, also elaborated on his agenda, saying the former chairman’s campaign will focus on rebuilding the party’s internal structures, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring accountability and transparency in its leadership. “Mr Afoko seeks to re-energise the party’s foundation, strengthen its institutional framework, and make it more representative of all stakeholders,” Osei said.

Mr Afoko, who became the first northern Ghanaian to hold the NPP national chairmanship after his election in Tamale on April 12, 2014, faced significant turbulence during his tenure. His leadership was characterised by intense factional rifts and allegations of working against the then-flag bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which ultimately led to his suspension.

The party’s disciplinary committee’s decision to suspend him indefinitely, alongside then-General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong and Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe, threw the NPP into internal chaos, triggering widespread debate and legal challenges. Despite the controversy, Afoko’s allies have long maintained that his removal was politically motivated and procedurally flawed.

During his tenure, Mr Afoko introduced several reform-oriented measures aimed at strengthening grassroots structures and financial transparency. Notably, he launched an initiative that allocated GH₵10,000 to each constituency to open and manage official bank accounts, a move he said was necessary to modernise party administration and promote fiscal accountability. The move, however, was met with internal resistance from some factions within the NPP who viewed his policies as disruptive to established systems.

His renewed bid for the chairmanship appears to be an attempt to vindicate himself and revive his reform agenda, which he believes was prematurely cut short. “Mr Afoko’s return reflects his unwavering belief that his suspension was unconstitutional,” a close aide disclosed. “He wants to complete what he started, strengthening internal democracy and ensuring that the NPP remains true to its founding ideals.”

Political analysts say his comeback will reignite debates about factionalism within the NPP, particularly at a time when the party is preparing for leadership transitions ahead of the 2028 general elections. Some party insiders believe that his re-entry could galvanise grassroots support, especially among those who feel alienated by the current leadership, while others warn that it could reopen old wounds that have yet to fully heal.

Meanwhile, several other senior party figures have already declared their interest in contesting for the chairmanship position, setting the stage for what could be one of the most competitive internal elections in recent years. Among the notable aspirants are former Director-General of State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) Stephen Asamoah Boateng, former General Secretary John Boadu, Boakye Agyarko, and Kankam Boadu.

Political observers anticipate that the upcoming NEC meeting will be crucial in determining the tone and inclusivity of the NPP’s internal race. The committee’s handling of Mr Afoko’s reinstatement bid could either demonstrate the party’s commitment to reconciliation or expose lingering divisions from past conflicts.

If cleared to contest, Mr Afoko’s candidacy could reshape the power dynamics within the NPP, particularly among the grassroots who once viewed him as a reformist leader determined to bridge factional gaps. However, his success will depend on whether the NEC and influential party figures are willing to embrace his return after years of political exile.

For now, the NPP leadership has maintained that the decision rests solely with the NEC, and until then, all aspirants, including Mr Afoko, must await the formal release of nomination guidelines and election timelines.

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