A former headmaster of Bawku Secondary School has thrown his weight behind New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Paul Awentami Afoko’s chairmanship bid a
A former headmaster of Bawku Secondary School has thrown his weight behind New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Paul Awentami Afoko’s chairmanship bid ahead of the party’s upcoming internal elections, describing him as a man of integrity capable of helping restore unity within the opposition party as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.
Robert Ajene, a respected Ghanaian educationist publicly vouched for Afoko’s leadership credentials while recalling his long-standing relationship with the former NPP National Chairman, which dates back to the 1960s.
According to Ajene, he personally admitted Afoko into Form One at Bawku Secondary School and had the opportunity to observe his character and leadership qualities from an early age.
Speaking on Afoko’s suitability for the NPP National Chairman position, Ajene said the former chairman has consistently demonstrated honesty, discipline, and integrity throughout his life.
“I bear witness to his leadership qualities because I admitted him to Bawku Secondary School, and there were times he stayed with me,” Ajene stated.
“I am bearing testimony to his distinguished integrity, an integrity that can be of great help to the NPP.”
His endorsement comes at a time when Paul Afoko has formally begun consultations within the NPP hierarchy as part of preparations to contest the National Chairman position once again.
Afoko is said to have officially informed the party’s Council of Elders, Regional Executives, Patrons, and other key stakeholders of his intention to enter the race, while also seeking guidance and support from senior figures within the party.
The latest development marks a significant political comeback attempt for Afoko, who previously served as NPP National Chairman before his suspension in 2015 during one of the most turbulent periods in the party’s internal history.
Afoko, a native of the Upper East Region officially informed the Council of Elders, Regional Executives, and Patrons of the party of his intention to contest for the NPP National Chairman position
Despite years away from frontline party leadership, Afoko has remained influential within sections of the NPP, particularly among some founding members and grassroots supporters who believe the party must revisit issues of internal reconciliation and inclusiveness following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Ajene argued that unity remains the single most important factor if the NPP hopes to regain political power in 2028.
According to him, the party possesses enormous political strength and electoral potential, but persistent internal divisions continue to weaken its chances.
“NPP has the potential, and the only way to harness that potential is through unity,” Ajene stressed. “Let’s get our acts together.
The former headmaster further indicated that many of the party’s current difficulties were self-inflicted and could only be resolved through tolerance, reconciliation, and respect for democratic principles within the party.
“The biggest problem is unity,” he stated. “We need a large heart of tolerance in democracy. The challenges were self-inflicted, and we know them one by one.”
His remarks add to growing discussions within the NPP over the future direction of the party following its loss of political power and the ongoing restructuring efforts ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In recent months, several leading figures within the party have called for reconciliation among rival factions, warning that continued internal wrangling could further weaken the NPP’s electoral fortunes.
Political observers believe the contest for the NPP National Chairman position is likely to become one of the defining internal battles ahead of the party’s broader reorganisation toward the 2028 elections.
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