'Nkrumah is one of the best leaders we have ever had' - Paul Afoko

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman, Paul Afoko, has described Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as one of the country's greatest leaders, citing his contribution to national development and his pan-African vision.

Speaking on Face-to-Face on Channel One TV on July 21, 2026, Afoko said his admiration for Nkrumah has remained unchanged despite his roots in the UP political tradition, from which the NPP traces its lineage.

"Back in the day, I was, and I still am, I still think that Nkrumah is one of the best leaders we've ever had in this country," he said.

Paul Afoko made the remarks when the host questioned how a member of the UP tradition could hold such a positive view of Nkrumah, whose Convention People's Party (CPP) championed socialist policies.

Responding, Afoko said there was no contradiction in acknowledging Nkrumah's achievements, explaining that his assessment is based on the late president's legacy rather than partisan considerations.

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He recalled growing up during Nkrumah's administration and participating in the Young Pioneer Movement, an experience that shaped his understanding of the country's early years.

"As I said, one, I grew up as a very young man within the country that had Nkrumah running the country. So, I was a Young Pioneer. Well, I started off as African Personality and then transitioned to become a Young Pioneer," he recounted.

Afoko said that with the benefit of hindsight, he believes Nkrumah's record in developing Ghana and advancing African unity stands out in the country's history.

"Now, it's with hindsight that I look back and say he was one of the best leaders we ever had in terms of the development of our country, what he left behind, and in terms of his pan-Africanist view and agenda. So, there's no contradiction there for me," he stated.

He said his political views evolved over time but maintained that his appreciation of Nkrumah's contribution to Ghana's development remains firmly held.

Watch the video below

“I still think Kwame Nkrumah is one of the best leaders we've ever had.” - Former NPP National Chairman, Paul Afoko.

Watch here: https://t.co/tFY7hT4PGR#FaceToFace #ChannelOneNews #PaulAfoko #GhanaNews pic.twitter.com/wuEae7qfn6

— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) July 21, 2026