COKA Confident Of Victory In Ashanti NPP Chairmanship Race
Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairmanship hopeful, Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, has expressed strong confidence in winning Saturday’s regional election.
According to him, he remains “unshakable, resolute and fully committed” to his bid to become the next Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman.
COKA made the declaration at Kodie in the Afigya Kwabre South District of the Ashanti Region, where he rounded off his constituency campaign tour ahead of the regional delegates conference.
Addressing party delegates and supporters, he said his confidence was based on his years of active involvement in the NPP, his understanding of the grassroots and his extensive engagements with party stakeholders across the region.
“Let me assure all of you that I am very focused despite the dirty propaganda and accusations against me. Having been in active politics for several years, there is one thing which is certain: when your time is due to lead, nothing can stop it, and I am very confident I will win Saturday’s election,” he stated.
COKA said his decision to contest was motivated by the need to restore unity and rekindle the love and commitment that once characterised the NPP in the Ashanti Region.
He said his ultimate objective was to help rebuild the party and position it to support the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to win the 2028 general election.
Calls For Sacrifice
COKA has called on NPP members with the energy, resources and influence to dedicate a portion of what they have towards rebuilding the party.
“If any NPP member has the energy, resources and influence, let’s use just 10 per cent of them to bring the NPP back to power,” he appealed.
He said the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general election should serve as a wake-up call for members to put aside personal interests and work collectively to restore the party’s fortunes.
According to him, rebuilding the party should not be left in the hands of a few individuals but must involve executives, parliamentary candidates, former government appointees, grassroots activists and ordinary members.
Unity Is Key
COKA disclosed that he had, over the past few years, engaged various groups and stakeholders, including former MPs, former constituency executives, former CEOs, traditional leaders, the clergy, Imams and media professionals.
He said the engagements were aimed at identifying concerns within the party and finding ways to bring members together.
“From my engagements, the general call has been that NPP needs unity. We need power, and I am begging all of you to forgive each other for any wrongdoings or offences so that we can work together as one to help recapture power,” he said.
He also cautioned members against what he described as the politics of insults.
According to him, political opponents and party members should rather engage in the exchange of ideas and use social media platforms to promote the NPP.
“Insults don’t vote or win elections. Use your social media handles and other opportunities you get to promote Dr Bawumia and the NPP instead of insults,” he advised.
Prayer For Wontumi
COKA, before addressing the gathering at Kodie, called for a minute of silence and prayer for former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
He prayed for strength for Mr Boasiako as he goes through what he described as difficult moments.
Rebuild Party
The chairmanship hopeful said the NPP must strengthen its structures from the polling station level through to the regional level if it was determined to return to power in 2028.
He recalled that between 1998 and 2000, NPP symbols and flyers were visible across the Ashanti Region, saying the party must work to restore that level of enthusiasm and commitment.
COKA pledged that, if elected, his administration would focus on grassroots mobilisation, unity and restoring confidence among party members.
He said the NPP had the human resources, experience and structures required to return to government but needed collective commitment from members.
“I’m committed to uniting Ashanti NPP to ensure a resounding victory for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and NPP,” he stated.
He therefore appealed to delegates to consider the future of the party and vote for leadership capable of putting the interests of the NPP above personal considerations.
COKA reiterated his confidence ahead of Saturday’s election, saying he was ready to lead the Ashanti Regional NPP and spearhead the party’s rebuilding efforts towards the 2028 polls.
