Paul Afoko, the former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has officially submitted his nomination forms to contest the party’s National Chairmanship race. He completed this crucial step on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the NPP’s headquarters in Accra.
Mr. Afoko’s submission follows the opening of the filing process on August 18. His candidacy comes during an extended nomination window, which the NPP National Officers Elections Committee moved from August 27 to August 29. This extension reflects significant interest from various aspirants seeking national positions within the party.
This development is a key moment for the NPP, Ghana’s ruling party, as it prepares for internal elections and the upcoming 2028 general election. The party is seeking to consolidate its base and strategize for future political contests. Internal leadership contests often shape the party's direction and public perception.
Mr. Afoko publicly declared his intention to contest the National Chairmanship in July 2026. He is campaigning on a platform he calls the “3R Agenda.” This agenda focuses on three core principles: Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture. These principles aim to heal internal divisions, strengthen the party’s structures, and ensure the NPP can regain power in the 2028 general election.
His campaign has involved extensive engagements with delegates and grassroots supporters across several regions. During these interactions, Mr. Afoko has consistently emphasized reconciliation and unity. He believes these elements are vital for the party to recover from its defeat in the 2024 general election. His return to the National Chairmanship contest holds particular significance given his past tenure and subsequent removal from the position due to internal disputes.
The NPP’s internal elections are a critical barometer for the party’s health and future prospects. The outcome will influence the party’s ability to present a united front to the Ghanaian electorate. A strong, unified leadership is often seen as essential for electoral success in Ghana’s competitive political landscape.
With the submission of his nomination forms, Mr. Afoko will now proceed to the next stages of the NPP’s national officers election process. The vetting of aspirants is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 3. The results of this vetting process are expected to be announced on September 5. Any appeals regarding the vetting results will be heard from September 6 to 7. The national delegates are scheduled to cast their votes on October 3, 2026, to elect the new national officers.
The contest for the NPP National Chairmanship is a high-stakes affair. The individual elected will play a crucial role in steering the party through its challenges and opportunities. This includes mobilizing resources, managing party affairs, and leading the charge for the 2028 general election. The party’s ability to present a cohesive and effective leadership will be closely watched by political analysts and the public alike.
The election process will test the NPP’s internal democracy and its capacity to manage diverse interests. The eventual winner will face the immediate task of uniting various factions within the party. This unity is paramount for the NPP to effectively challenge its political opponents and maintain its relevance in Ghana’s political arena. The stakes are high for all aspirants and for the party’s future trajectory.