Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Paul Afoko, has stressed that unity remains the only surest path for the party to reclaim political power in 2028.
According to him, the Ashanti Region, which has been the traditional stronghold and heartbeat of the NPP, holds the key to the party’s revival following its recent electoral setbacks.
Mr. Afoko made these remarks during a thanksgiving service organized by the newly elected Ashanti Regional Executives of the NPP, led by Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as Asanteman COKA.
The solemn but colourful service was held at the Gracefields Chapel in the Nhyiaeso Constituency to thank God for a successful regional election held on August 15, 2026.
The event was attended by a host of party stalwarts, including some current National Executives, aspiring national executives, and Members of Parliament from the Ashanti Region.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the service, Mr. Afoko explained that the presence of national figures at the thanksgiving was a strong demonstration of solidarity and support for the new regional leadership.
He described the emergence of the new executives under Chairman COKA as a renewal and a fresh opportunity for the party to reorganize and reconnect with its grassroots base.
“The reason why we are all here today is to show solidarity to our new regional executives and to encourage them to deliver on their mandate. This new leadership represents renewal for our party after what we went through,” he noted.
Mr. Afoko expressed optimism that with a united front, the NPP can reclaim the seven parliamentary seats it lost in the Ashanti Region in the last general elections.
He pointed out that the Ashanti Region currently accounts for 40 of the party’s seats in Parliament, which constitutes almost half of the party’s total parliamentary strength, underscoring the strategic importance of the region.
“The path to victory must start from Ashanti. If we are united here, we can win back those seven seats we lost. Ashanti alone gives us 40 seats, and that is almost half of what we have. We cannot ignore Ashanti,” he emphasized.
The former National Chairman aspirant further called on party members to let go of past differences, internal wrangling and factionalism, and to remember the party’s deep roots in Kumasi where the NPP’s tradition was nurtured.
According to him, Chairman COKA brings on board a wealth of experience, grassroots connection and organizational acumen which, if complemented with unity, will make the future of the NPP in Ashanti very bright.
Commenting on his own bid to become National Chairman ahead of the party’s national delegates conference scheduled for October 3, 2026 in Kumasi, Mr. Afoko said his message of unity, reconciliation and rebuilding is resonating well with delegates across the country.
He noted, however, that he remains focused and humbled, and will leave everything to the delegates to decide on the day of the polls.
The thanksgiving service ended with prayers for unity, peace and the revival of the NPP ahead of the 2028 general elections.
