The stage was set for a charged atmosphere at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regional secretariat in Damongo as national chairman hopeful Paul Afoko engaged regional executives, the Council of Elders, and party patrons during a consultative visit to the Savannah Region. The mood was electric, with a palpable sense of renewed optimism and enthusiasm.
What began as a routine political engagement quickly turned into a strong message of reconciliation, unity, and renewed determination to return the NPP to power in 2028. Party executives described Mr Afoko's decision to contest the national chairmanship position again as both timely and symbolic. "You have become a symbol of unity for the NPP considering what you have gone through," one regional executive told him.
Mr Afoko's decision to contest the national chairmanship position again was seen as a positive move by many party faithful. "Your second coming is a blessing to the party," another added. For many party members gathered at the meeting, Mr Afoko's political journey — from serving as NPP National Chairman between 2014 and 2015, stepping away from frontline politics, and now returning with a renewed vision — reflects the party's ability to overcome internal challenges and rebuild stronger.
That message resonated strongly throughout the engagement. "I am inspired to put certain things behind me," a regional executive remarked, noting that Mr Afoko's calm persistence and continued connection with the grassroots had helped shift attention from past grievances to rebuilding the party for the future. Several members described him as a model of patience, resilience, and loyalty, praising his consistent engagement with party structures even during periods outside the political spotlight.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Afoko outlined his "3R" agenda — Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture — stressing that party unity must be backed by a clear strategy for political victory. He urged the Savannah Region to take advantage of the current momentum to strengthen polling station structures, improve voter data management, and intensify grassroots mobilisation well ahead of the 2028 general election. "The NPP's strength is that we absorb setbacks and return to fight smarter," Mr Afoko said.
This was a key takeaway from his message, highlighting the need for discipline in regions like Savannah. "That's how we can take back government in 2028, and it starts with discipline in regions like Savannah," he stressed. He described reclaiming political power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2028 as a critical objective, adding that rebuilding confidence in party structures and ensuring that no region feels neglected would be central to that effort.
As the engagement ended, handshakes and chants of support filled the hall, with members openly expressing encouragement for his campaign. The Savannah regional visit forms part of Mr Afoko's broader nationwide consultations as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the NPP's national chairmanship race. His message throughout the tour remains consistent: rebuild the party from the grassroots and do so through unity and collective effort.
Key Facts
- Savannah Region party executives described Mr Afoko as a 'symbol of unity' for the NPP.
- Mr Afoko contested the national chairmanship position in 2015 and stepped away from frontline politics, only to return with a renewed vision.
- The NPP's '3R' agenda is to Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture, with a focus on strengthening polling station structures.
- Mr Afoko aims to improve voter data management and intensify grassroots mobilisation in the Savannah Region.
- The 2028 general election will be a critical objective for the NPP, with a focus on reclaiming power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).