Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman, Paul Awentami Afoko, has called on party members to set aside personal grievances. He urged them to work towards unity, presenting his political experience and leadership record as assets for the party's future direction. Mr. Afoko stated he does not possess a simple solution for immediate resolution of party divisions. He instead urged members to prioritize reconciliation and collective interest over individual disagreements.
Mr. Afoko explained that rebuilding unity requires a conscious decision by party members. They must move beyond past hurts and emotional reactions. He believes these emotions can affect objective decision-making. He offered himself as an example, stating, "put your hurt aside, because emotions create this." He added that bringing emotions into political decisions distorts them, and "power doesn’t like that."
This call for unity comes at a crucial time for the NPP. The party is preparing for upcoming elections and navigating internal dynamics. Historically, internal cohesion has been a significant factor in the NPP's electoral performance. Divisions can weaken the party's front, potentially impacting its ability to secure future victories. Mr. Afoko's intervention highlights ongoing concerns about factionalism within the party, a recurring theme in Ghana's political landscape.
Mr. Afoko emphasized his long association with the NPP and his deep understanding of its structures, history, and political traditions. He stated, "For me, I will put myself forward as someone who has experience. I have experienced this party across hand." He noted his involvement in the NPP began long before he became national chairman. He served at senior levels, including as a member of the National Finance Committee. This extensive background positions him as a figure with significant institutional memory.
He also highlighted his family's historical connection to Ghanaian politics and the NPP tradition. His father was an elected member of the Council of State. His uncle served as a member of the Legislative Assembly, representing the Northern People's Party (NPP). This party later contributed to the formation of the current New Patriotic Party. These experiences, he said, have given him a deep understanding of the party's evolution and organizational structures. He asserted, "I have experience. I have it in my DNA."
Mr. Afoko pointed to the NPP's victory in the 2016 general election as a major achievement. He described it as a reflection of his leadership and the collective work of party members. He claimed a central role in preparing the party for that election, which resulted in a "resounding victory." He stated, "I have delivered a resounding victory, I mean my leadership, because I have done everything for the 2016 election."
The NPP's performance in 2016, including its parliamentary majority and presidential victory, demonstrated what the party could achieve when united. Mr. Afoko acknowledged that electoral success is not the work of one person alone. He maintained that party structures and members at all levels contributed to the outcome. While unity cannot be created through a single intervention, Mr. Afoko stressed that members must make deliberate efforts to overcome divisions and focus on rebuilding the party. This ongoing dialogue about unity will be critical for the NPP as it strategizes for future political contests.