Afoko vows swift NPP return to power within two years if elected party chairman

Awentami Paul Afoko, a former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, has thrown his hat into the ring for the party's top leadership position, making an ambitious pledge to restore the NPP to government within two years if elected. Speaking in his bid to reclaim the chairmanship, Afoko expressed strong confidence that under his stewardship, the party would overcome its current opposition status and form Ghana's next government.

The statement comes at a critical juncture for the NPP, which lost the December 2024 general elections to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by John Mahama. The defeat marked a significant setback for the party, which had held power for eight years under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

Afoko's leadership vision

Afoko's confidence in a rapid turnaround reflects his determination to energise the party and mobilise its base. His previous tenure as National Chairman, though marked by internal party disputes that led to his removal, suggests he believes he understands the structural and strategic reforms needed to revitalise the NPP. The two-year timeline he has outlined is an aggressive target in Ghana's four-year electoral cycle, effectively signalling his intent to position the party for the 2028 presidential election.

The former chairman's candidacy is likely to attract significant attention within NPP circles, particularly among grassroots members and party faithful who may be seeking bold leadership in the aftermath of the party's election loss. However, his return bid will also face scrutiny, given the controversial circumstances surrounding his previous exit from the party leadership.

Why it matters for Ghana

The NPP's internal leadership contests directly shape Ghana's political landscape and the quality of opposition oversight of government. A strong, united opposition is crucial for democratic accountability and keeping the governing NDC administration transparent and responsive to citizens' concerns. The outcome of the NPP's chairmanship election will determine whether the party can effectively reorganise, rebuild member confidence, and present a credible alternative government within the coming years.

Additionally, the two-year recovery promise reflects broader expectations within Ghana's political system about how quickly out-of-power parties can regroup and return to electoral competitiveness. The 2028 elections will be Ghana's true test of whether any opposition party can genuinely challenge for power following a defeat, making the NPP's strategic decisions now critically important to the nation's democratic competition.

As the NPP moves toward its own leadership elections, members will need to weigh such ambitious pledges against the practical challenges of rebuilding party cohesion, developing compelling policy alternatives, and winning back voter trust lost during the 2024 campaign.