By Amoako Kwame
New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman hopeful, Paul Awentami Afoko, says his commitment to the party remained unwavering despite his indefinite suspension in 2015, insisting that he continued to support the NPP and its candidates throughout the period.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, July 14, to outline his vision ahead of the party’s National Chairman contest, Mr. Afoko said his inability to complete his tenure did not diminish his loyalty or dedication to the NPP.
According to him, he remained actively engaged with the party, supporting parliamentary candidates and constituency activities while hoping for the party’s renewal and eventual return to power.
“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 stated.
Mr. Afoko was suspended indefinitely by the NPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in October 2015 following months of internal disagreements within the party’s national leadership.
The party accused him of bringing the NPP into disrepute, failing to cooperate with fellow national executives, disregarding party structures and decisions, and engaging in conduct considered detrimental to the party’s unity and electoral fortunes.
His suspension followed recommendations by the party’s Disciplinary Committee, which concluded that he had breached provisions of the NPP Constitution.
The leadership crisis at the time was further overshadowed by the fatal acid attack on the party’s Upper East Regional Chairman, Adams Mahama, in May 2015. Paul Afoko’s younger brother, Gregory Afoko, was arrested and later convicted in connection with the murder. Paul Afoko, however, was never implicated or accused of any involvement in the case.
The internal turmoil continued later that year, with then-General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong and Second Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe also suspended in December 2015 following prolonged leadership disputes.
Now seeking a return to the party’s top administrative office, Mr. Afoko says his campaign is centred on reconciliation, unity and rebuilding the NPP’s grassroots structures as the party prepares for the future.
