New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman aspirant Paul Afoko has rejected claims that he engaged in anti-party conduct during his tenure as the party’s national chairman, insisting that every decision he took was aimed at safeguarding the party’s values and strengthening its structures.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, July 14, Mr. Afoko said his actions while in office were guided by principle rather than personal interest, arguing that allegations suggesting he worked against the NPP were without merit.
He referenced the suspension of former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong during the party’s leadership crisis, saying both of them acted based on what they believed was in the best interest of the party.
Mr. Afoko also maintained that he played a significant role in preparing the NPP for its victory in the 2016 general election, dismissing assertions that his suspension reflected conduct that undermined the party.
“I built the foundation. I put everything in place. And when I was suspended, I knew we were going to win because we had done what was required for us to win power,” he said.
He further challenged suggestions that he bore responsibility for the party’s declining parliamentary representation in subsequent elections, arguing that there was no basis for claims that he acted against the NPP’s interests.
“I find it really unreasonable that anybody can come up with such things about me. This is the party of my fathers,” he added, stressing his long-standing ties to the political tradition from which the NPP emerged.
Mr. Afoko was suspended indefinitely by the NPP’s National Executive Committee in October 2015 following a recommendation by the party’s Disciplinary Committee, which concluded that he had breached provisions of the party’s constitution.
His suspension came during a period of intense internal disagreements within the NPP, which were further aggravated by the May 2015 acid attack that resulted in the death of the party’s Upper East Regional Chairman, Adams Mahama.
Although Mr. Afoko’s younger brother, Gregory Afoko, was arrested and later convicted in connection with the murder, Paul Afoko was never accused of any involvement in the case.
The party’s internal leadership crisis deepened later that year with the suspension of former General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong and Second Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe.
Now seeking a return as NPP National Chairman, Mr. Afoko says his campaign is centred on reconciliation, unity and rebuilding the party’s structures as it prepares for future elections.
