Dr Joshua Zaato, a Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, has said the former NPP National Chairman, Paul Afoko, was the biggest fish among those who left the party.
According to Dr Zaato, Paul Afoko’s return to the NPP is a big blow to the newly formed United Party.
He noted that the NPP’s recent amnesty for former members announced by the NPP’s National Executive Committee is producing results.
Dr Zaato described Afoko as ‘the biggest fish’ among all those who left the party, noting that few expected the amnesty to attract him back to the party.
He further added that Paul Afoko’s return shows that the NPP as a party is still attractive.
His comments come on the heels of Paul Afoko returning to the party and also declaring his intention to contest for the party’s National Chairmanship position.
In a statement, Paul Afoko wrote, “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”.
He explained, “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”.
Paul Afoko reaffirmed his loyalty to the NPP despite past challenges.
“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.”
It will be recalled that Paul Afoko was suspended in 2015 as the NPP’s National Chairman following a decision by the party’s National Executive Committee.
His suspension followed a recommendation from the NPP’s Disciplinary Committee after the Council of Elders.
He was accused of working against the then-flagbearer, Akufo-Addo’s ahead of the 2016 general elections.
Meanwhile, Paul Afoko had earlier said it was wrong of the NPP to extend an olive branch and then impose conditions.
The former NPP chairman added that if the party’s goal is to bring people back together, then the party cannot put hurdles in their way.
Speaking on Okay FM with host Kwame Nkrumah Tikese, Paul Afoko stated, “The olive branch extended by the NPP is a good thing,” he said, acknowledging the effort at reconciliation. “But it is wrong for the party to impose conditions on the amnesty. There should be no conditions or rules tied to the return of former members.”
“If you want to bring people back together for a common goal, then you cannot at the same time put hurdles in their way. That is not reconciliation,” he stressed.
Paul Afoko further urged the party to implement a more inclusive posture to restore true unity, rather than creating rules that, in his view, could reignite old divisions.