New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman hopeful Paul Awentami Afoko says he remained loyal to the party even after he was suspended in 2015.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, July 14, where he outlined his vision and plans ahead of the party’s National Chairman election, Mr. Afoko said his commitment to the NPP never changed, even though he was unable to complete his term as National Chairman.
He said he continued to support the party and its parliamentary and presidential candidates throughout the period of his suspension, showing his dedication to the NPP’s growth and future.
“I did not complete my term, that is a matter known to all, but I never abandoned the NPP. Even after my suspension, I continued to support candidates and constituencies. I continued to believe in this party.
“I continued to hope for its renewal. Today, I say with humility that what we started then, we can do again and do it better. The NPP must return to power, the NPP must return power to its structures,” he said.
In October 2015, the NPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) voted unanimously to suspend Mr. Afoko indefinitely following internal disagreements within the party.
The party accused him of bringing the NPP into disrepute, failing to work with other national executives, ignoring party structures and decisions, and taking actions that were considered harmful to the party’s unity and chances in elections.
His suspension followed a recommendation by the party’s Disciplinary Committee, which concluded that he had breached parts of the NPP Constitution.
The leadership crisis became more serious after the May 2015 acid attack that killed the NPP’s Upper East Regional Chairman, Adams Mahama.
Mr. Afoko’s younger brother, Gregory Afoko, was arrested and later convicted over the murder.
However, Paul Afoko was never accused of having any involvement in the case.
In December 2015, the party also suspended then-General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong and Second Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe following a series of leadership disputes.
Mr. Afoko is now seeking to return as the party’s National Chairman.
His campaign focuses on reconciliation, unity, and rebuilding the NPP’s structures.
