New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman hopeful Paul Afoko has urged the party to elect its next national leadership based on competence rather than ethnic considerations.

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

The engagements formed part of his nationwide outreach to party stakeholders aimed at promoting unity ahead of the NPP’s National Delegates Conference.

Addressing both groups, Mr. Afoko expressed concern about the current state of the party but cautioned members against dwelling excessively on the NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat and the accompanying blame game.

“We need to gather collective experiences,” he stated, emphasising 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.”

Mr Afoko reminded the regional leaders that the grassroots remain central to the party’s electoral fortunes, noting, “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 also called for unity across all factions, arguing that the NPP must combine its collective experience to regain political ground and cannot afford to leave power in the hands of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speakers at both meetings encouraged Mr. Afoko to remain committed to his revitalisation efforts to position the party strongly ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Mr Afoko is currently campaigning on his 3R Agenda: Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture, which he maintains is essential to returning the NPP to power.