A political analyst from the University of Ghana, Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, has said the return of Paul Awentame Afoko to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is “bad news and a big blow” to Alan Kyerematen’s United Party (UP Plus).
According to him, there were naysayers who doubted the return of people who fell out or got sacked from the NPP when the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) announced amnesty for such members to rejoin.
He believes the return of a “big fish” like Afoko has put such people to shame, explaining how the NPP stands a chance of coming back stronger for the 2028 general elections.
Speaking on the BigIssue segment on the NewDay morning show on TV3 Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Dr. Zaato said, “I think this announcement by Paul Afoko, not only to rejoin the NPP but also to contest in the national elections, is bad news and a big blow to the newly formed United Party (UP).”
He explained that Mr. Afoko, having been national chairman of the party before, shows how influential he is in the party. For such a person to return to the NPP and contest the national chairmanship, instead of parting ways like Alan Kyerematen, indicates a bright future for the NPP and gloom for the UP Plus.
“This is the biggest fish in that category. Looking at people who fell out with the NPP and those who were booted out, there’s no fish bigger than Paul Afoko. So for him to graciously accept this offer from the NEC is good news for the party,” Zaato reiterated.
Paul Afoko launched his comeback to the NPP and declared his intention to contest the national chairmanship on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in a statement he issued.
Mr. Afoko said his decision followed “extensive reflection and encouragement from many well-meaning members, supporters, and stakeholders of the NPP.”
He described the move as a response to calls for renewed leadership rooted in the founding values and democratic ideals of the Party.
“This decision has not been taken lightly,” he stated. “It comes after careful consideration and in response to the consistent calls for renewed leadership rooted in the founding values and democratic ideals of our Party.”
Mr. Afoko noted that his commitment to the NPP had remained steadfast over the years and expressed a strong desire to contribute to the rebuilding and strengthening of the Party at what he described as a “critical juncture.”
He emphasized unity and progress as central to his political vision, adding that he has always prioritized the collective good of the Party.
“While the journey has not been without its trials, I have always chosen to prioritise the unity and progress of the NPP above all else. My focus now, as it has always been, is on the future — one where our Party stands re-energised, inclusive, and better positioned to deliver on its promise to the Ghanaian people,” he said.
Mr. Afoko further indicated plans to engage with Party members and the media in the coming weeks to share his ideas and vision for leading the NPP with integrity, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The former chairman concluded his statement with a call for collective optimism: “Let us look ahead together. God bless the NPP. God bless our dear country.”
