Paul Afoko launches comeback bid for NPP chairmanship, pledges return to power by 2028

Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Awentami Afoko, has announced his intention to reclaim the party's top leadership position, committing to restore the NPP to power by the 2028 general election. Speaking during an interview at Akoma in Kumasi on Thursday, August 6, Afoko expressed confidence that the party could reverse its electoral fortunes through renewed unity and disciplined grassroots mobilisation.

Afoko's return to the race follows what he describes as extensive consultations spanning party elders, former and current national executives, Members of Parliament, regional leadership structures, and grassroots groups across Ghana. He argues that these engagements revealed deep anxiety about the party's current trajectory but also demonstrated widespread belief that purposeful leadership could address the NPP's challenges.

The Three Rs: Afoko's roadmap for NPP revival

Central to Afoko's campaign platform is what he terms the "Three Rs"—Reunite, Rebuild and Recapture. Under the reunite pillar, Afoko intends to focus on healing internal divisions, restoring trust among party members and promoting greater inclusiveness across all party structures. The rebuild component targets strengthening party machinery at all levels, empowering grassroots membership, and ensuring that all party organs function effectively.

The final element, recapture, involves repositioning the NPP as a credible, united and disciplined alternative government capable of restoring public confidence. Afoko believes these three integrated strategies will enable the party to reclaim the presidency and parliamentary majority in 2028.

During the interview, Afoko appealed directly to party delegates for their support, emphasising his commitment to transparent, inclusive and selfless leadership that prioritises party interests over personal ambition. He also called on all NPP members to recommit to the core values of sacrifice, commitment and service, arguing that unity remains the essential foundation for returning the party to government.

Why it matters for Ghana

The NPP's internal leadership elections carry significant implications for Ghana's political landscape heading toward 2028. After losing the 2024 general election, the party faces a critical juncture in determining its strategic direction and leadership vision. The choice of National Chairman will substantially influence how the NPP repositions itself, addresses internal grievances, and rebuilds voter confidence over the coming years.

Afoko's candidacy represents an attempt to draw on his previous experience while addressing criticisms about party management and cohesion. His emphasis on unity and grassroots strengthening directly responds to concerns that factional tensions and weak party organisation contributed to the NPP's electoral defeat. The outcome of the party's chairmanship race will set the tone for opposition strategy, party messaging, and internal dynamics during a crucial period of national governance under a new administration.

For ordinary Ghanaians, how the NPP manages this transition will influence the quality of political oversight, the robustness of parliamentary opposition, and the competitive nature of the 2028 electoral contest. A reinvigorated and united opposition generally strengthens democratic accountability and prevents political monopoly, benefiting the broader democratic process.