Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, has renewed his call for unity and reconciliation within the party while firmly distancing himself and his family from the murder of the late Adams Mahama.
Addressing party delegates and constituency executives during a campaign tour in Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District, Mr. Afoko said it was important to clarify longstanding perceptions surrounding the tragic death of the former Upper East Regional Chairman as he seeks a return to the party’s top leadership position.
According to him, allegations linking him or members of his family to the murder had unfairly damaged his political career and personal reputation over the years.
“There was an unfortunate incident which affected me so badly. I can stand here today and tell you that I had no hand in what happened to Adams Mahama. My family had no hand in what happened to him,” he told party members.
Mr. Afoko recalled the close relationship that existed between his family and the late Adams Mahama, insisting that there had never been any family hostility or motive against the deceased.
He noted that Adams Mahama had been one of his key political allies and had actively supported his bid for the NPP national chairmanship.
“The person who signed my nomination forms to contest the national chairmanship was Adams,” he said, highlighting the cordial relationship that existed between them before the tragic incident.
The late Adams Mahama died in May 2015 after suffering severe acid burns following an attack outside his residence in Bolgatanga, a case that attracted widespread public attention and became one of the most high-profile criminal cases in the country.
Mr. Gregory Afoko, younger brother of Paul Afoko, was subsequently arrested and became the prime suspect in the case. However, after years of legal proceedings, he was discharged by the court in December 2025.
Beyond addressing the controversy, Mr. Afoko used the occasion to urge party members to focus on rebuilding the NPP and strengthening internal cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.
He argued that the party’s current challenges required members to embrace reconciliation and work together rather than dwell on past divisions.
The former chairman, who led the NPP between 2014 and 2015 before his suspension amid internal disagreements, was pardoned and reinstated by the party in 2025 as part of broader reconciliation efforts.
Now seeking a return to the chairmanship position, Mr. Afoko is campaigning on what he describes as the “Three Rs” agenda—reuniting, restructuring and restrengthening the party to position it for future electoral success.
He stressed that unity remained the foundation for rebuilding the party and called on delegates to support efforts aimed at restoring cohesion and confidence within the NPP.
