Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, has reiterated his commitment to uniting the party if he wins the upcoming national chairmanship election. According to him, the party cannot return to power if it remains divided.

Reacting to calls for the dismissal of Kennedy Agyapong from the party in an interview with Kwesi Parker Wilson, Mr. Afoko disagreed with the suggestion, arguing that politics is a game of numbers.

“During the last election, some people did not vote because of bitterness. When you are in a hole and want to come out, you don’t dig further; otherwise, you will sink deeper,” he said.

Mr. Afoko emphasised his commitment to uniting the party, noting that the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has also expressed similar intentions.

“Bawumia has stated that he formed a committee and appointed all his contenders as members. After President Kufuor, the national executives and I, I went to Kennedy Agyapong, Adutwum, Bryan Acheampong and Kwabena Agyapong. After speaking with them, none of them gave any indication that they would leave the party,” he said.

Mr. Afoko also revealed the assurance he received from Kennedy Agyapong during his visit. “As for Ken, I told him, ‘You were very active in the party, but now you have relaxed. I am here to inform you about my intention to contest. When I win, I will come back to you for us to discuss how you can become active in the party again.’ He said, ‘Senior, go, and when you win, come back for us to talk.’ For me, that gives me hope,” he stated.

Mr. Afoko added that if delegates vote for him, he will work to resolve the challenges within the party, insisting that he has the experience to unite the NPP. “I did it in 2014, and I can do it now,” he said.