COKA visits Kokofu after Ashanti NPP win, calls for unity ahead of 2028

Following the Ashanti Regional elections, the newly elected Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, known as COKA, paid a visit to his defeated contender, Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu. The meeting in Kumasi aimed to foster unity within the party following Appiah's decisive win, securing 663 votes compared to Kokofu's 269.

Appiah emphasized that unity would be central to his administration and crucial for the NPP's prospects in the 2028 general elections, stating, "If we need power, there must be unity." He emphasized that his first priority was to initiate reconciliation by reaching out to his former rival. "In seeking unity, I had to start from here, so I will plead that we all forgive each other for all wrongdoings and work together to bring the party to power," he added.

Dr Kokofu, a former EPA CEO, welcomed Appiah's gesture and pledged his support, acknowledging the responsibility of rebuilding the party on the shoulders of all members. The unity initiative took place amidst challenges for the NPP in the Ashanti Region, which has traditionally been its electoral stronghold. In the 2024 general elections, the NPP's presidential vote in the region dropped to about 1.37 million, or 65%, from 2020's 1.79 million.

The party also lost 10 parliamentary seats in the region to the NDC. Appiah urged party members to set aside internal disputes and focus on rebuilding the party and reclaiming lost parliamentary seats ahead of the 2028 elections, signaling the start of efforts to unite the Ashanti NPP.