Paul Afoko opens up on current relationship with Akufo-Addo

Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, has said he maintains a cordial relationship with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo despite their well-publicised political differences within the party.

Speaking in an interview on Face-to-Face on Channel One TV on July 21, 2026, Afoko said he does not hold grudges and believes in moving on from past disagreements.

Afoko drew parallels with his relationship with the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, who detained him during the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) era.

"I said this the other day to somebody about Rawlings, who jailed me. He and I became close. He invited me over to his place in Vume, and we sat down and had a frank conversation," he recounted.

Afoko narrated how he reminded Rawlings of an encounter they had after his release from prison, during which the former military leader recognised him and commended his courage.

According to him, the meeting gave him the opportunity to tell Rawlings that, while he disagreed with some of the actions taken during his regime, he never held any personal resentment against him.

For NPP's sake, I forgive - Paul Afoko

"I said, 'I must tell you something. I've never blamed you. I have blamed the things that you did, but not you as a person. Some of the things were done in your name, even without your knowledge,'" he recalled.

Asked whether he intended to approach his relationship with Akufo-Addo in the same manner, Afoko answered in the affirmative, stressing that forgiveness comes naturally to him.

"It's my nature. I don't harbour things," he said.

Afoko reiterated that he prefers reconciliation over allowing personal grievances to linger.

His comments come years after his suspension and eventual removal as NPP National Chairman in 2015, following internal party disputes during Akufo-Addo's leadership of the party.

Despite the turbulent period, Afoko indicated that personal grievances have not defined his relationship with the former president.

Watch the video below

“My relationship with Akufo-Addo is cordial. I don’t harbour things.” - Former NPP National Chairman Paul Afoko, reflects on forgiveness and his approach to past political disagreements.

Watch here: https://t.co/79NQw7QFrq#FaceToFace #ChannelOneNews #PaulAfoko #GhanaNews pic.twitter.com/XkBN6FIkf8

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) July 21, 2026

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