Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Awentami Afoko, has urged the party to rebuild the confidence of Ghana's business community and return to its traditional role as a champion of enterprise, innovation and wealth creation if it hopes to reconnect with Ghanaians and regain political relevance.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra to announce his bid to return as National Chairman, Mr Afoko acknowledged that sections of the business community became disillusioned with some policies pursued during the NPP's previous administration, leading to economic hardship, uncertainty and declining investor confidence.

He said the party must honestly reflect on its shortcomings, listen to the concerns of businesses and demonstrate the humility to make the necessary corrections.

"To the business community, I say this: the NPP must regain your trust. We know that mistakes were made. We know that some of you felt disappointed. We know that some policies and actions created hardship, uncertainty or frustration. As a party, we must have the humility to listen, to learn and to correct what went wrong," he said.

Mr Afoko maintained that the NPP's political tradition has always been rooted in promoting private enterprise, economic empowerment and creating opportunities for individuals and businesses to prosper.

He called on the party to re-engage key stakeholders across the economy, including traders, manufacturers, farmers, transport operators, artisans, professionals, contractors, technology entrepreneurs and start-ups, as part of what he described as a "new prosperity agenda."

"The NPP remains the natural home of business, enterprise, innovation and wealth creation. We must work with traders, manufacturers, farmers, transport operators, artisans, professionals, contractors, technology entrepreneurs and young start-ups to build a new prosperity agenda," he stated.

According to him, a strong partnership between government and the private sector is indispensable to creating jobs, driving economic growth and ensuring national development.

Mr Afoko stressed that restoring confidence among businesses would require more than campaign promises. Rather, he said, it would demand a renewed commitment to policies that encourage investment, support entrepreneurship and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He added that the NPP's prospects at future elections would depend largely on its ability to convince Ghanaians, particularly entrepreneurs and business owners, that it remains committed to building an economy driven by opportunity, innovation and sustainable growth.