Newly elected Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, has begun efforts to unite the party’s competing factions following the regional executive elections.
A day after securing the regional chairmanship, COKA visited his main contender, Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, at his residence in Ayigya in the Oforikrom Municipality, in what is being seen as an early step towards reconciliation.
COKA defeated Dr Kokofu in Saturday’s election, polling 658 votes against his opponent’s 269 votes.
Following his victory, the new chairman called on party members to put the contest behind them and focus on rebuilding the NPP ahead of the 2028 general election.
In a message posted on Facebook on Sunday, August 16, COKA said the party could not afford to allow internal differences to undermine its efforts to return to government.
“We are hungry for power, and nobody will be left behind. Together, we will unite, rebuild, and work for victory,” he said.
He also extended an invitation to contestants who lost the election, assuring them that they would have a role to play in his administration.
“To all the candidates, especially those who did not win, there is a place for you in my administration. Your experience, ideas, and commitment are valuable to the party,” he stated.
The visit to Dr Kokofu is therefore being viewed as an attempt to quickly close the chapter on the regional contest and bring the two sides together as the party begins preparations for the next national elections.
COKA pledged to lead the Ashanti Regional NPP with humility, discipline and dedication, while stressing that he would not take the mandate given to him by delegates for granted.
“I will not take this mandate for granted. Together we will work with humility, unity, dedication, and discipline to restore the NPP to power,” he said.
His approach places reconciliation at the centre of the immediate post-election agenda, with the party expected to draw on the experience and support of all candidates and their respective supporters.
The Ashanti Regional election was among the closely watched internal contests as the NPP reorganises its structures following its defeat in the 2024 general election.
COKA brings extensive experience from the party’s grassroots structures, having previously served as a Ward Organiser, Ward Chairman, Ashanti Regional Financial Secretary and Constituency Chairman for Afigya Kwabre Constituency.
He also served as Chairman of Constituency Chairmen in the Ashanti Region and has worked on various party committees.
His early engagement with Dr Kokofu signals an effort to transform the outcome of the internal election into a broader platform for unity as the NPP seeks to strengthen its structures and position itself for the 2028 elections.
