Paul Afoko Secures Path to NPP Chairmanship as National Council Rejects Petition to Bar His Candidacy

The National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially cleared former National Chairman Paul Afoko to contest in the upcoming internal elections, unanimously dismissing a petition intended to block his candidacy. During a crucial meeting on June 25, 2026, the Council rejected the anonymous petition, affirming Afoko’s eligibility and setting the stage for his participation in the National Delegates Conference scheduled for September 2026. This decision removes a significant legal and administrative hurdle for Afoko, whose return to the political frontline is seen by supporters as a vital step toward healing the party’s internal fractures. Central to Afoko’s campaign is his 'Three Rs' roadmap: Reunite, Restructure, and Re-strengthen. Speaking to delegates during a campaign launch in Tamale, Afoko highlighted the urgent need for a party-wide 'reset' to address the steady decline in the NPP’s electoral performance. He pointed to the party’s parliamentary seat count, which plummeted from 169 seats in 2016 to just 87 in 2024, as evidence that internal divisions and a breakdown in grassroots engagement have severely weakened the party. Afoko urged members to set aside past grievances and focus on building a more cohesive unit capable of reclaiming power in the 2028 general elections. Beyond internal party management, Afoko has articulated a broader vision for regional development, particularly in the Upper East Region. He recently advocated for the construction of an international airport in the region to unlock its potential as a global agricultural exporter. Under his proposed PEARL Blueprint, the airport would serve as a logistical hub for exporting fresh produce like flowers and vegetables, diversifying Ghana’s economy beyond extractive industries. Afoko’s platform combines this economic foresight with a strong emphasis on empowering grassroots structures, which he believes were neglected in previous election cycles. Afoko has also used his campaign platform to address long-standing personal controversies, firmly denying any involvement in the murder of former regional leader Adams Mahama. He has characterized such allegations as politically motivated attempts to derail his career and has called for a focus on reconciliation rather than character assassination. As the NPP prepares for its September conference, Afoko’s candidacy represents a push for institutional reform. His success will likely depend on his ability to convince the delegates that his roadmap can transform the NPP back into a dominant electoral force before the 2028 polls.