Afoko Outlines Economic Restoration Strategy

Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Awentami Paul Afoko, has called for a fundamental strategic reset within the party, urging it to proactively mend fences with Ghana’s private sector.

Speaking at a press briefing in the capital on Sunday, Paul Afoko acknowledged a palpable erosion of confidence among key economic stakeholders during the NPP’s most recent tenure in government.

He noted that specific fiscal measures and administrative decisions from that period generated significant unease within the business community, contributing to broader perceptions of economic instability and hardship.

“We must approach the business community with a sense of accountability,” Paul Afoko stated.  He continued: “We recognize that our past actions did not always meet expectations. There were policies that created bottlenecks and uncertainty. It is imperative that we exhibit the humility to acknowledge these shortcomings and the resolve to implement corrective measures.”

Paul Afoko emphasized that the NPP’s historical identity has been intrinsically tied to the principles of private enterprise, deregulation, and wealth generation. He argued that a return to these foundational tenets is non-negotiable for the party’s political resurgence and its ability to serve as a viable alternative to the current administration.

To achieve this, Paul Afoko proposed the development of a comprehensive “New Prosperity Agenda.” This initiative, he explained, would necessitate direct consultations with a broad cross-section of the economy, including market traders, industrial manufacturers, agricultural producers, transport unions, skilled artisans, engineering professionals, public works contractors, and emerging technology startups.

“The NPP must reaffirm its role as the primary advocate for innovation and economic freedom in Ghana…Our collaboration with the private sector must be deliberate and inclusive. Job creation and sustained economic stability depend entirely on a synergistic relationship between the state and private enterprise”, Paul Afoko added.

The former Chairman stressed that restoring business confidence will require action beyond rhetorical pledges. He advocates for a policy framework that incentivizes domestic investment, removes bureaucratic hurdles for entrepreneurs, and ensures a predictable operating environment for all citizens seeking economic advancement.

Concluding his remarks, Paul Afoko asserted that the party’s viability in future elections hinges on its credibility with voters in the commercial and entrepreneurial sectors. He maintained that the NPP must convincingly demonstrate its capacity to foster an economy driven by opportunity, resilience, and technological innovation to secure the mandate of the Ghanaian people.