Paul Afoko Launches National Chairmanship Bid as NPP Completes 88% of Constituency Elections for 2028 Reorganization

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully conducted executive elections in 245 out of 276 constituencies, marking an 88.7% success rate in its nationwide effort to rebuild party structures following the 2024 general election defeat. NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong and Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have characterized the process as largely peaceful and a vital step toward the 2028 elections. However, the reorganization has not been without friction; elections in 31 constituencies remain in dispute, with 23 postponed and others, such as Tema East and Tema Central, halted by court injunctions. Violent disruptions were also recorded in Bantama and Ejura Sekyedumase, where media personality Okatakyie Kwame Afrifa Mensah and six others were arrested for allegedly attacking police and disrupting the polls.

Amidst this grassroots restructuring, the race for national leadership has intensified with the formal entry of former National Chairman Paul Awentami Afoko. Launching his campaign in Accra, Afoko introduced a "3Rs" agenda—Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture Power—aimed at healing internal divisions and restoring the party's founding values. Afoko, who was suspended in 2015, publicly expressed forgiveness toward those involved in his past disciplinary issues and emphasized that his neutrality makes him the ideal candidate to bridge factional gaps. Concurrently, supporters of former General Secretary John Boadu are advocating for his leadership, citing his proven track record of stabilizing the party during previous periods of crisis and his ability to collaborate effectively with Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

At the local level, several incumbents and new faces have emerged to lead their respective constituencies. In Tano North, Kakari Appau was retained as chairman, while Dr. Eugene Danquah Ofori-Appiah secured the chairmanship in Atwima Nwabiagya South with a pledge to create a database for youth job creation. Other notable victories include Muniru Tanko in Techiman South, Majeed Salifu in Sissala East, and Evans Kwame Buami as Second Vice Chairman in Ho Central. These newly elected officials are being urged to operate "open-door" administrations to maximize member participation and grassroots mobilization, particularly in the Ashanti Region, which Chairman Wontumi described as the party's "engine room" where they aim to secure over 85% of the vote.

As the NPP prepares for the next phase of its internal elections, the broader political landscape for 2028 is already shifting with the emergence of new voices. For instance, 22-year-old law student Nana Agyeiwaa Baffoe-Bonnie Michaels has declared her candidacy for the Manhyia South parliamentary seat under The Base Movement Ghana, challenging traditional party dominance with a focus on youth unemployment and infrastructure. For the NPP, the coming months will be a test of whether the party can resolve its 31 constituency disputes and transition into a unified national executive body capable of overcoming the factionalism that Paul Afoko and other leaders warn could jeopardize their return to power.