Awentami Paul Afoko, a National Chairman hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), says the party must choose its next national leaders based on competence and not ethnic considerations.

Afoko made the remarks during consultative meetings with the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders and the Ashanti Regional Executives in Kumasi weeks ago.

The engagements form part of his nationwide outreach to party stakeholders and fostering unity ahead of the NPP’s National Delegates Conference.

Addressing both groups in separate meetings, Afoko expressed concern about the NPP’s current state but cautioned against dwelling on the 2024 electoral defeat amid the blame game.

“We need to gather collective experiences," he urged.

He stressed that his ambition is to help rebuild the party: “I would want to be remembered for rebuilding the party. We must all put our hands on deck. We cannot sit and watch the party slide backwards.”

Afoko told the Regional Council of Elders and Regional Executives that the grassroots are critical in the party’s electoral fortunes.

“The heartbeat of the NPP is the Ashanti Region, and that remains a fact. I am open to advice because you are the ones running the party,” he added.

He urged unity, saying the NPP cannot leave power in the hands of the NDC and must combine experiences to salvage its fortunes.

Speakers at both meetings encouraged Paul Afoko to remain committed to rebuilding the party and making it a formidable force to be reckoned with ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Afoko is campaigning on his 3R Agenda: Reunite, Rebuild, Recapture, which he argues is critical to returning the NPP to power.”