NPP has strong chance of returning to power in 2028 - Paul Afoko

Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Awentami Paul Afoko, says the party has a significant opportunity to regain power in Ghana's 2028 general election, provided it remains united and focused on its objectives.

Mr Afoko, who is seeking to return as the party's national chairman, argued that the political landscape ahead of the next election presents favourable conditions for the NPP. He noted that a long-standing political figure who has featured on Ghana's ballot paper in multiple elections will not be contesting in 2028, creating what he described as a "unique opportunity" for the party.

He said this would allow the NPP to concentrate its efforts on promoting its prospective presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, whom he described as an experienced and widely recognised politician.

"Voters already know him. He is battle-tested and ready to win," Mr Afoko said.

Speaking during meetings with NPP regional executives, patrons and elders in the Volta, Oti and Eastern regions, Mr Afoko recalled the party's preparations ahead of the 2016 election, which resulted in the NPP defeating the incumbent government.

"For the first time, we have a unique opportunity," he said. "At the time I put the New Plan for Power in place, we knew that the sitting president could run again and if he won another term, we would sit in opposition for twelve years. We had to put a plan in place to make sure we came to power, and we came to power."

However, he stressed that electoral success would depend on party cohesion.

"Without unity, we will not get there," he told party members. "As for unity, it is not negotiable."

Mr Afoko urged members to set aside personal grievances and work collectively towards the party's electoral ambitions. Drawing on a boxing analogy, he warned against allowing emotions and internal disagreements to undermine the party's prospects.

The former chairman is campaigning on what he calls a "3R Agenda" — Reunite, Rebuild and Recapture Power. He said the NPP must present a clear message to voters and restore public confidence ahead of the next election.

"For years I chose to work quietly behind the scenes, supporting the NPP in private," he said. "But recent developments have compelled me to step forward. We need to get our party back into winning ways, and that starts with unity of purpose."

Mr Afoko said the period leading up to the 2028 election would test whether the party could move beyond internal divisions and focus on its broader political goals. He expressed confidence that party members would rally behind a common vision and work towards securing victory at the polls.