'Let's go back to the ideals that made NPP attractive' - COKA

Newly elected Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, has urged constituency vice-chairpersons across the region to uphold the core principles of discipline, integrity and accountability that have defined the party since its founding in 1992.

Speaking at an executive engagement in Kumasi, Chairman Odeneho emphasised that the party’s historical appeal to the Ghanaian public was built on these foundational values, which contributed to its past electoral successes.

“I am urging all of us to go back to our roots, where we exemplified the ideals of discipline, integrity, responsibility and hard work,” COKA stated.

Reclaiming lost ground

Addressing the party’s current political landscape, Chairman Odeneho highlighted the need for immediate and structured reconciliation, as well as strategic voter mobilisation, ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Addressing voter apathy

The Regional Chairman pointed out that the NPP lost more than 1.1 million votes in its stronghold, the Ashanti Region, during the 2024 general elections, largely due to low voter turnout rather than a shift in political allegiance.

Executive synergy

He urged the vice-chairpersons to maintain a unified front with their respective constituency chairpersons and local executive teams to rebuild the party’s structures at the grassroots level.

2028 electoral strategy

The primary objective of the ongoing engagements, he said, is to re-engage disillusioned supporters and position Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for victory in the 2028 presidential election.

Inclusive leadership

Responding on behalf of the executives, S. O. Frimpong, Vice-Chairperson for the Mampong Constituency, commended Chairman Odeneho for his proactive approach to post-election reconciliation.

He noted that COKA’s swift outreach to his main electoral opponent and defeated aspirants signalled a genuine commitment to an inclusive administration.

According to Mr Frimpong, these unifying gestures are critical to fostering party cohesion and restoring confidence among party supporters in the Ashanti Region.

Goodwill messages

Following his meeting with constituency executives, Chairman Odeneho received courtesy calls from several key stakeholder groups at his temporary office in Kumasi.

Delegations representing major market associations, the NPP Loyal Ladies campaign wing and prominent radio morning show hosts from across the metropolis visited to congratulate him on his recent internal election victory.

The groups urged the new chairman to implement the strategic vision outlined during his campaign, while COKA reiterated his call for sustained collaboration to ensure the NPP remains the dominant political force in the region.