Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman for Afigya Kwabre South, Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as Asanteman COKA, has reaffirmed his intention to contest the Ashanti Regional Chairmanship of the party, expressing confidence that his years of loyalty and dedicated service will earn him the support of delegates.
Speaking in an interview with Hello FM in Kumasi, Asanteman COKA said he remains committed to the NPP even after losing the previous regional chairmanship election to Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi).
According to COKA, he never distanced himself from the party after his defeat but instead continued to work tirelessly for its success, particularly during the 2024 general election campaign.
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He said he joined the party’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and his running mate on campaign tours across the country, while also using his personal resources to mobilise support for the NPP.
“I waited and stayed with the party. During the last elections, I campaigned with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and, in some cases, with the running mate. There were times I travelled with my own resources to encourage people to vote for the NPP,” he said.
Expressing optimism ahead of the regional elections, he added: “I know the NPP. If you are loyal and you pay your dues, the party will reward you. By the grace of God, this is my time to become the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP.”
Asanteman COKA also appealed to members of the BASE Movement in the Ashanti Region to remain within the NPP and work towards resolving internal differences instead of forming breakaway groups.
While acknowledging their constitutional right to associate freely, he argued that no political group that had broken away from the NPP had achieved lasting success.
“If you belong to a family and you have issues with one or two members, it doesn’t mean you should leave the family. Stay and help correct the mistakes. One day, it will be your turn,” he stated.
According to him, several former party members who left the NPP for other political movements had later regretted their decision, urging especially the youth to remain committed to the party.
COKA revealed that one of his key priorities, should he be elected Ashanti Regional Chairman, would be the construction of a permanent regional party office.
He praised Chairman Wontumi for initiating projects aimed at strengthening the party’s presence in the region and pledged to continue those efforts.
“Chairman Wontumi and his team started something, and I will continue with it so the NPP in the Ashanti Region can have a befitting office,” he said.
He pointed to his record as former Afigya Kwabre South Constituency Chairman, where he helped secure a constituency office, saying that experience would enable him to deliver similar results at the regional level.
COKA urged NPP members across the country to remain calm and hopeful despite the party’s recent electoral setbacks.
He encouraged supporters to stay united and maintain faith in both the party and the country.
“Let’s believe in Ghana. Let’s believe in the NPP. This too shall pass,” he stressed.