Former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Afia Akoto, has been appointed Secretary to the Christian Category of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Religious and Chieftaincy Committee as part of the party’s reorganization efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The appointment was announced after a meeting of the NPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, during which several standing and sector committees were constituted to help reposition the party following the 2024 elections.

According to party sources, Afia Akoto’s nomination was made by the NPP’s 2028 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and later approved by the NEC.

Political observers say the appointment reflects recognition of her long-standing involvement in the party and her active participation in Dr Bawumia’s campaign activities during previous electoral contests.

Afia Akoto was one of the prominent female figures associated with Dr Bawumia’s campaign team during the 2024 election season and the NPP presidential primaries, where she played visible roles in grassroots mobilization, outreach, and campaign engagements.

Under the newly constituted Religious and Chieftaincy Committee for the Christian Category, Rev John Ntim Fordjour and Sampson Kwaku Boafo will serve as Co-Chairs, while Afia Akoto assumes the role of secretary.

Other members of the committee include former Information Minister Asamoah Boateng, former Volta Regional Minister Kofi Dzamesi, Irene Naa Torshie Addo, Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, Dr Isaac Owusu-Mensah, Dr Susana Alo, Dr Opoku Mensah, and Napaga Clara Tia Sulemana.

The Religious and Chieftaincy Committee is expected to strengthen the NPP’s engagement with religious bodies, traditional authorities, and faith-based organisations as the party seeks to rebuild its grassroots support base ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Afia Akoto’s latest appointment further elevates her profile within the NPP following her performance in the Okaikwei North parliamentary primaries held in December 2023.

Although she lost the contest to former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, she emerged as one of the strongest contenders in the race.

Official results from the primaries showed Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei securing 341 votes, while Afia Akoto polled 228 votes.

During the campaign period, Afia Akoto gained significant attention within the constituency and on social media, where supporters popularly referred to her as “The Landlady" – a nickname that became closely associated with her grassroots campaign strategy and strong visibility in the constituency.

Despite her defeat in the parliamentary primaries, she has remained active within both the constituency and the party’s structures, fueling speculation about a possible future political comeback.

#TrendingGH: What Ghanaians are saying about compulsory DNA testing