Kumasi, Ghana- By: Evans Osei-Bonsu
In a powerful show of internal party confidence and grassroots support, delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region have overwhelmingly thrown their weight behind Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah—popularly known as COKA—as the preferred choice to steer the region’s affairs as its next Regional Chairman.
This groundswell of support reached a new high during the recently held National Delegates Conference, where COKA’s presence sparked a near-electrifying atmosphere. Scores of delegates drawn from various constituencies across the Ashanti Region rallied around him in a symbolic and spontaneous demonstration of confidence in his leadership. Many party faithful were seen thronging him, hailing his humility, approachability, and years of dedicated service to the NPP.
Delegates took turns expressing admiration for what they described as his calm demeanor, unifying spirit, and long-standing commitment to the party’s grassroots. “He doesn’t look down on anyone. He listens to us, he respects the base, and he knows what it takes to win,” one delegate from Bekwai stated passionately. Another added, “COKA is the chairman who walks with the people. That’s the kind of leadership we need going into 2028.”
The endorsement, which comes at a critical juncture for the party, signals a renewed commitment by the base to restore the NPP’s dominance in the Ashanti Region—a bastion historically regarded as the heartbeat of the party’s electoral fortunes.
COKA, a former constituency chairman for Afigya Kwabre South and a seasoned party stalwart with decades of loyal service, has long been admired for his unwavering dedication to grassroots mobilization, political strategy, and party unity. His calm, firm, and visionary leadership style has earned him reverence across the party’s internal structures, from polling station executives to national leadership.
The recent surge in support for his candidacy reflects growing recognition among delegates and stakeholders that the party cannot afford to gamble with leadership in its most pivotal region ahead of the 2028 general elections. With several parliamentary seats lost in the 2020 polls—some by narrow margins—many believe COKA’s election as regional chairman would be the first major step in reclaiming lost constituencies and restoring full confidence among the party’s traditional base.
“COKA is not just a leader; he’s a movement,” said one delegate from the Subin constituency. “He understands the soul of the party, he knows the people, and more importantly, he knows how to win elections.”
Political observers have noted that the Ashanti Region, once an impregnable fortress for the NPP, has shown signs of voter apathy and internal fatigue in recent elections—a situation many blame on disconnected leadership and lack of grassroots coordination. COKA, by contrast, is seen as a unifier with deep relationships at the base and a unique ability to energize the party’s foot soldiers.
Beyond his internal appeal, Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah has also demonstrated exceptional communication skills and a strong public image, which many say will be instrumental in repackaging the NPP message and reconnecting with disillusioned voters.
With the battle lines for the 2028 general elections in focus for the party, the Ashanti Region will once again be expected to deliver massively for the NPP. But this time, the stakes are even higher. And for many within the party, COKA appears to be the trusted ‘General’ needed to lead that charge.
As the internal reorganization continues, all eyes will be on the official announcement of dates for the regional elections. But if the mood on the ground is anything to go by, the message from the delegates is clear: COKA is the man for the moment—and the mission.
