Upper East Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairmanship aspirant, Filson Awankua, has reiterated his lifelong commitment to serving the party and helping to rebuild its fortunes in the region, despite facing repeated setbacks in his bid for the position.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Awankua noted that one of his biggest priorities in life has been to serve the NPP and contribute to making the party stronger and more competitive.
He stressed that although his previous attempts to lead the party at the regional level have not been successful, he has never relented in supporting the party with his limited resources, knowledge, experience, and presence.
“I have never relented. There are people who lose elections and vanish, only to resurface when positions are opened again. That has never been my style,” he said. “I have consistently contributed materially, shared my knowledge and experience, and participated actively in party activities, even though I am not an executive member.”
Mr. Awankua acknowledged that contesting internal party elections can sometimes lead to marginalisation, noting that aspirants are occasionally treated as adversaries rather than partners in progress.
He revealed that his ideas were often sidelined and that he faced frustration and threats, yet he remained steadfast.
“Sometimes, when you contest, you are seen as more of an enemy than the opposition NDC. But even with all that, I stayed. I don’t feel bitter. I remain focused because I see the elephant and the NPP as bigger than me or anybody,” he emphasized.
Touching on the party’s declining electoral fortunes in the Upper East Region, Mr. Awankua described the situation as worrying. He recalled that the NPP’s parliamentary representation in the region has dwindled from three seats to one, and now to none — a development he believes requires urgent and strategic intervention ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Asked how he would convince delegates of his ability to reclaim lost seats, Mr. Awankua identified unity as his top priority. According to him, without unity of purpose, even the best ideas would fail.
He called for the liberalisation and opening up of the party, urging leaders to dismantle factionalism, cronyism, and exclusion based on past internal elections. He also criticised the party’s underutilisation of the media as a key communication and mobilisation tool.
Mr. Awankua, who is also the Founder of RRU4DMB, believes that rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion, and engaging party members openly will be critical to reviving the NPP in the Upper East Region.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
