Choose competence over ethnicity - Afoko tells NPP

Paul Afoko has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritise competence over ethnicity in selecting its next national leaders. Mr. Afoko made the call during separate consultative meetings with the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders and the Ashanti Regional Executive in Kumasi, as part of his nationwide engagement with party stakeholders ahead of the NPP National Delegates Conference.

Mr. Afoko expressed concern about the current state of the party but cautioned against focusing on internal blame over the 2024 electoral defeat. He said, "We need to gather collective experiences," urging unity among party members. Mr. Afoko stated that his ambition is to help rebuild the party, adding that he hopes to be remembered for contributing to its renewal. He said, "I would want to be remembered for rebuilding the party. We must all put our hands on deck. We cannot sit and watch the party slide backwards." He noted that the Ashanti Region remains central to the NPP's success, saying, "The heartbeat of the NPP is the Ashanti Region, and that remains a fact. I am open to advice because you are the ones running the party."

Speakers at the meetings reportedly encouraged Mr. Afoko to remain committed to rebuilding and strengthening the party ahead of the 2028 general elections. He is campaigning on his "3R Agenda"-Reunite, Rebuild, Recapture-which he says is key to returning the NPP to power.