Awentami Paul Afoko, a popular businessman and New Patriotic Party (NPP) politician, has officially confirmed he would contest for the Party’s National Chairmanship position when nominations are opened.
“I am honoured to formally announce my intention to contest for the position of National Chairman in the upcoming election of national officers”, Mr. Afoko announced on Tuesday October 28, through a press statement that sparked excitement across political circles immediately it went public.
The excitement could be because Paul Afoko, a dyed-in-the-wool NPP stalwart, rose through the ranks to be elected as the Party’s National Chairman in April 2014 but someway somehow was ousted out of office the following year, in October 2015 under circumstances many have described as controversial, exactly 10 years ago.
Freddie Blay, who was the First Vice Chairman when Paul Afoko was suspended indefinitely by the Party, took over as National Chairman.
In 2014 when Paul Afoko contested to become National Chairman, he won with a handsome 2,032 votes to beat his closest contender, Stephen Ntim who had 1,500 votes.
Fred Oware who also contested in the National Chairman race that year had 1135 votes while the then incumbent Chairman, Jake Lantei Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, now of blessed memory, had 66 votes.
“In the coming weeks, I will engage more broadly with Party faithful and the media to share my vision, ideas, and plans to lead the NPP with integrity, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, Paul Afoko, noted in the statement that announced his attempt at a ‘Second Coming’ as NPP National Chairman.
Below is the statement in full:
DECLARATION OF INTENTION TO CONTEST THE NATIONAL CHAIRMANSHIP POSITION OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY
After extensive reflection and encouragement from many well-meaning members, supporters, and stakeholders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), I am honoured to formally announce my intention to contest for the position of National Chairman in the upcoming election of national officers.
This decision has not been taken lightly. It comes after careful consideration and in response to the consistent calls for renewed leadership rooted in the founding values and democratic ideals of our Party. My commitment to the NPP has remained steadfast through the years, and I believe the time has come to contribute, once again, to the rebuilding and strengthening of our Party at this critical juncture.
While the journey has not been without its trials, I have always chosen to prioritise the unity and progress of the NPP above all else. My focus now, as it has always been, is on the future – one where our Party stands re energised, inclusive, and better positioned to deliver on its promise to the Ghanaian people.
In the coming weeks, I will engage more broadly with Party faithful and the media to share my vision, ideas, and plans to lead the NPP with integrity, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Let us look ahead together.
God bless the NPP.
God bless our dear country.
Signed
Awentami Paul Afoko
