Awentami Paul Afoko, an aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has declared that the party must regain the trust of Ghana's business community. He stated that the NPP needs to reclaim its traditional role as a champion of enterprise and wealth creation. This is essential for the party to reconnect with Ghanaians and maintain its political relevance.
Mr. Afoko acknowledged that some policies and decisions made by the NPP's previous administration led to dissatisfaction among businesses. These concerns contributed to economic hardship, uncertainty, and declining confidence within the business sector. He stressed the importance of the party listening to these concerns, reflecting on past actions, and making necessary corrections.
This call comes at a critical time for Ghana's economic landscape, which has seen fluctuating business confidence in recent years. Data from the Bank of Ghana's latest Business Confidence Survey indicated a slight dip in sentiment during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting ongoing concerns about inflation and currency stability. The NPP, traditionally seen as a pro-business party, faces the challenge of aligning its policies with the needs of a diverse private sector.
“To the business community, I say this: the NPP must regain your trust. We know that mistakes were made,” Mr. Afoko stated at a press conference in Accra on July 20, 2026. He added, “We know that some policies and actions created hardship, uncertainty, or frustration. As a party, we must have the humility to listen, to learn, and to correct what went wrong.”
The implications of this statement are significant for the NPP's future political trajectory. Rebuilding trust with businesses will require concrete policy actions that encourage investment and support entrepreneurship. Decision-makers within the party will need to demonstrate a renewed commitment to creating an environment where citizens can pursue economic opportunities. This will be crucial for job creation, economic stability, and overall national development.
Mr. Afoko argued that the NPP's political identity has historically been linked to economic empowerment and private initiative. He emphasized that the party must return to these core principles. This involves engaging key players across the economy, including traders, manufacturers, farmers, and technology entrepreneurs. A strong partnership between the government and the private sector is vital for Ghana's progress.
The aspiring chairman maintained that the NPP's future success hinges on its ability to convince Ghanaians, especially business owners, that it remains committed to an economy driven by opportunity and innovation. This commitment must extend beyond political promises to tangible policy reforms. The party's ability to address past grievances and foster a more supportive business environment will be closely watched by both the electorate and financial markets.
Ghana's economy has been navigating challenges, including managing public debt and attracting foreign direct investment. A renewed focus on business confidence could signal a more stable and predictable policy environment. This could potentially lead to increased private sector investment and job creation, which are essential for sustainable economic growth. The NPP's response to Mr. Afoko's call will shape its standing with a crucial segment of the electorate.