A Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Zaato, says the decision by former NPP National Chairman Paul Afoko to rejoin the NPP and contest for the chairmanship positions is a “big blow” to the newly formed United Party, which many believed Afoko would support.
According to him, Afoko’s return is proof that the party’s recent amnesty announced by its National Executive Committee is working.
The amnesty was issued after data showed that many grassroots members became disgruntled during the last eight years in power and stayed away from voting in the last election.
He said Afoko is “the biggest fish” among all former members who left the party and doubted such an amnesty would attract anyone of his stature.
Dr Zaato noted that Afoko’s decision has already energized parts of the base, since anyone who once rose to become national chairman has supporters nationwide.
Beyond strategy, he believes the comeback sends a strong emotional and symbolic message that Afoko still considers the NPP his political home, despite the party “booting him out” and despite the personal experiences his family had during that period.
The lecturer praised Afoko for never publicly insulting or attacking the NPP during his years away, describing that as political maturity and a lesson to younger politicians about respecting one’s political roots even after disagreements.
He said Afoko had the resources to form his own party or join another, but chose instead to “let things go” and return to the fold, proving that the NPP remains attractive.
On whether Afoko’s past treatment could affect his chances in the upcoming chairmanship race, Dr Zaato said he cannot predict how it will play out, but described Afoko as a “formidable candidate” and said the contest may become one of the most competitive chairmanships races the party has seen.
