Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has publicly thrown his support behind Odeneho Kwaku Appiah popularly known as COKA in his bid to become the next Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking at the commissioning of a new NPP constituency office in Bantama on Friday, 19 September, Akufo-Addo referred to Appiah as the “incoming chairman”, a remark that drew loud applause from party supporters and is being interpreted as a clear endorsement.
“It is now time for other Kumasi, Ashanti MPs and the incoming chairman, Odeneho Kwaku Appiah to do same,” Akufo-Addo declared, urging continued commitment to party-building efforts.
The event, which also saw the presence of former President John Agyekum Kufuor and other senior party officials, served as both a celebration of party legacy and a strategic moment in the run-up to internal elections.
COKA, a seasoned NPP operative with deep roots in the Ashanti Region, has already declared his intention to contest the regional chairmanship. Akufo-Addo’s public backing is expected to significantly boost his profile ahead of the race, which is shaping up to be pivotal in the NPP’s long-term strategy.
The Ashanti Region historically the NPP’s electoral heartland is expected to play a central role in the party’s post-2024 reorganization and its push for a return to power in 2028.
The individual who chairs the region will likely wield considerable influence over delegate mobilization, campaign strategy, and internal party dynamics.
Friday’s commissioning ceremony also served as a rallying call for party unity, with Bantama MP Francis Asenso-Boakye joining Akufo-Addo in urging the party faithful to close ranks ahead of upcoming contests.
In his address, Akufo-Addo also renewed his criticism of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President John Dramani Mahama, describing their track record in government as “abysmal.”
He emphasized that the NPP should campaign proudly on its achievements during his administration and that of former President Kufuor.
As the NPP positions itself for a comeback in 2028, the Ashanti Region chairmanship race is quickly emerging as a key battleground, one with national implications and the potential to shape the future direction of the party.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
