'No political party wins power by wishful thinking' - Paul Afoko rallies NPP to reorganise

The former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, has urged the party to prioritise rebuilding its grassroots structures, insisting that no political party can regain power without a strong organisational foundation.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, where he officially announced his intention to contest the position of National Chairman, Afoko said the NPP's path back to government depended on strengthening its internal structures rather than relying on rhetoric.

NPP must rebuild, not blame – Paul Afoko

According to him, the party must focus on what he described as the "Three Rs"—reunite, reorganise and recapture power to restore confidence among members and position itself for victory in the 2028 general elections."No political party wins power by wishful thinking. Parties win power through organisation. Parties win through strong structures, grassroots strength, regional coordination, credible data, disciplined messaging, and respect for the grassroots of the party," he stated.

Afoko recalled his tenure as National Chairman in 2014, saying the party's organisational reforms had contributed significantly to its victory in the 2016 elections.

"When I had the honour of serving as National Chairman in 2014, I placed a strong emphasis on organisation. We supported constituencies directly, promoted discipline and worked to make the grassroots feel that the national party existed for them and not above them. That organisational discipline helped the party enter the 2016 election with strength," he said.

He pledged to restore that approach if elected, promising to empower polling station executives, electoral area coordinators, constituency officers and regional executives.

Afoko also stressed that effective communication within the party should flow both from the national leadership to the grassroots and from the grassroots back to the national leadership.

"As National Chairman, I will be a team player, but at the same time, I'll be a field commander, a reconciler, an organiser, a fundraiser, a disciplinarian, a listener and a servant of the party," he added.

NA/BAI