New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman aspirant Paul Awentami Afoko says he remained committed to the party despite his suspension in 2015, insisting that he continued to support the NPP and its candidates throughout that period.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, July 14, to outline his vision and policies ahead of the party’s National Chairman race, Mr. Afoko said his loyalty to the NPP never wavered, even though he was unable to complete his tenure as National Chairman.

He said his continued engagement with the party demonstrated his commitment to its growth, renewal and future success.

“I did not complete my term, that is a matter known to all, but I never abandoned the NPP. Even after my suspension, I continued to support candidates and constituencies. I continued to believe in this party.

“I continued to hope for its renewal. Today, I say with humility that what we started then, we can do again and do it better. The NPP must return to power, the NPP must return power to its structures,” he said.

The NPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in October 2015 unanimously voted to suspend Mr. Paul Afoko indefinitely amid internal disputes within the party.

He was accused of bringing the party into disrepute, failing to cooperate with other national executives, disregarding party structures and decisions, and engaging in actions deemed detrimental to the party’s unity and electoral prospects.

The suspension followed a recommendation by the party’s Disciplinary Committee, which found that he had breached provisions of the NPP Constitution.

The leadership crisis was further heightened following the May 2015 acid attack that resulted in the death of the NPP’s Upper East Regional Chairman, Adams Mahama. Paul Afoko’s younger brother, Gregory Afoko, was arrested and later convicted in connection with the murder, although Paul Afoko was not accused of any involvement in the incident.

His suspension was followed by the suspension of then-General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong and Second Vice Chairman Sammy Crabbe in December 2015, after a series of leadership disagreements within the party.

Mr. Afoko is now seeking to lead the party again, campaigning on a message of reconciliation, unity and rebuilding the NPP’s structures.