Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman Paul Awentami Afoko is set to take another formal step towards reclaiming the party’s top organisat
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman Paul Awentami Afoko is set to take another formal step towards reclaiming the party’s top organisational position when he submits his completed nomination forms at the NPP headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
The filing is an important stage in the party’s ongoing National Officers Election and comes within an extended window approved by the National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC) to allow aspirants additional time to complete and submit their documents.
Afoko’s Tuesday submission, however, does not represent the beginning of his campaign for the National Chairmanship. The former chairman declared his intention to contest the position in July 2026 and subsequently picked his nomination forms when the collection process opened on August 18.
His filing will therefore formally advance his candidature into the next phase of the electoral process, as he seeks to convince delegates that he remains the right person to lead the NPP through a period of internal rebuilding and preparations for the 2028 general elections.
Afoko campaigns on ‘3R Agenda’
At the centre of Afoko’s campaign is his “3R Agenda” — Reunite, Rebuild and Recapture.
The agenda reflects his argument that the NPP’s immediate challenge extends beyond simply winning the next election. According to his campaign message, the party must first heal internal divisions, rebuild its organisational structures and restore unity before it can mount an effective campaign to recapture political power.
Afoko has subsequently embarked on engagements with delegates and grassroots supporters in different parts of the country, using the campaign to emphasise reconciliation and unity within the party.
His message is particularly focused on preparing the NPP for the 2028 elections, following the party’s defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Contest comes amid NPP leadership reorganisation
Afoko’s bid comes at a significant moment in the NPP’s history as the party undertakes a process of electing new national officers.
The National Chairmanship is one of the most influential positions in the party’s organisational structure and will be among the positions contested during the national election in October.
The NPP’s electoral regulations provide for election for the National Chairperson, National Vice Chairpersons, General Secretary, National Treasurer, National Organiser, National Women Organiser, National Youth Organiser, National Nasara Organiser and National Communication Director.
Filing deadline extended
Afoko’s decision to file on August 25 comes after the NOEC extended the deadline for submitting completed nomination forms.
The original filing period was scheduled to run from August 23 to August 27, 2026. However, citing significant interest in the elections, the committee extended the filing deadline to August 29.
The extension was intended to give aspirants adequate time to submit their completed documents and allow the committee to undertake the necessary verification without disrupting the subsequent stages of the electoral timetable.
The extension does not affect the scheduled commencement of vetting on August 31.
Vetting and appeals ahead
Following the filing stage, Afoko and other aspirants will face the NPP’s formal vetting process.
Vetting is scheduled for August 31 to September 3, with the results expected to be published on September 5.
Aspirants dissatisfied with decisions arising from the vetting process will have September 6 and 7 to file appeals. The party’s NEC/NC is scheduled for September 10, while the Notice of Poll is expected on September 14.
The national officers will ultimately be elected on October 3, 2026.
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