Paul Afoko denies involvement in Adams Mahama’s death, calls for NPP unity ahead of delegates conference

Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, has strongly denied any involvement in the death of the party’s late Upper East Regional Chairman, Adams Mahama, while urging party members to embrace reconciliation and unity as the party prepares for its upcoming National Delegates Conference.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with party faithful in Bolgatanga on Tuesday, Mr Afoko used the occasion to address longstanding allegations linking him and his family to the circumstances surrounding the death of the late regional chairman.

The engagement formed part of his nationwide stakeholder consultation tour as he seeks support for a return to the party’s top leadership position.

Addressing party members, Mr Afoko categorically denied claims that he or any member of his family had a role in the tragic incident that led to Adams Mahama’s death.

“Our late Regional Chairman, Adams, I can stand here today and tell you that I had no hand in what happened to him. My family had no hand in what happened to him,” he stated.

He argued that attempts to associate him or his relatives with the incident were baseless and failed to take into account the longstanding relationship that existed between the Afoko and Mahama families.

According to him, both families have shared deep personal, social, and traditional ties spanning several generations, making the allegations particularly painful and difficult to understand.

“We allowed people to come and play games with us. But I want to state clearly that neither my family nor I had anything to do with the death of Adams Mahama,” he reiterated.

Adams Mahama died in May 2015 after suffering severe injuries following an acid attack outside his residence in Bolgatanga. The incident shocked the nation and remains one of the most tragic episodes in Ghana’s contemporary political history.

The attack generated widespread public outrage, triggered extensive police investigations, and led to prolonged legal proceedings. It also intensified internal tensions within the NPP during a period of significant political and organizational challenges.

The death of the late regional chairman became a major source of division within sections of the party, with various allegations and counter-allegations emerging in the years that followed.

Reflecting on the impact of the tragedy, Mr Afoko said the events surrounding Adams Mahama’s death contributed significantly to divisions within the NPP and highlighted the urgent need for healing among party members.

He urged party faithful to move beyond past disagreements and focus on rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion, and working collectively toward the future of the party.

According to him, the NPP can only regain its full strength if members unite around a common purpose and place the party’s long-term interests above individual differences.

He stressed that reconciliation and inclusiveness would be essential as the party prepares for future elections and internal contests.

As part of his ongoing nationwide outreach programme, Mr Afoko outlined elements of his vision for the NPP should he return to national leadership.

He advocated stronger grassroots participation in party governance and decision-making, arguing that polling station executives and constituency-level officials should play a more influential role in shaping the party’s direction.

Mr Afoko also called for reforms aimed at strengthening internal democracy, improving communication between national and local structures, and enhancing the welfare of party activists.

According to him, a revitalized grassroots base remains critical to the party’s electoral fortunes and long-term sustainability.

The former National Chairman concluded by encouraging members to remain committed to the ideals and values of the NPP while working together to overcome internal divisions.

He emphasized that a united party would be better positioned to address future political challenges, reconnect with supporters across the country, and compete effectively in upcoming elections.

As preparations intensify for the National Delegates Conference, Mr Afoko's comments are expected to reignite discussions about party unity, reconciliation, and leadership within the NPP.

His appeal for healing comes at a time when many party members are calling for renewed efforts to consolidate the party’s base and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of future political contests.