Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Constituency Chairman for Afigya Kwabre South, Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as Asanteman COKA, will today appear before the party’s vetting committee as he seeks to contest the Ashanti Regional Chairmanship position.

COKA, who is one of two aspirants for the position, is expected to highlight his strategy to rebuild the party’s structures and recover parliamentary seats the NPP lost to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 general election.

The NPP, which was in government at the time of the election, suffered significant losses in its traditional stronghold, Ashanti Region, losing eight parliamentary seats to the NDC.

However, COKA has expressed confidence that under his leadership, the party can reclaim the lost constituencies and restore its dominance in the region.

In an interview, he said his priority would be a comprehensive rebuilding and reorganisation programme focused on strengthening the party from the constituency level upwards.

He said although some efforts had already begun, the party required deeper restructuring to reconnect with the grassroots and regain the confidence of voters.

“I have a plan to help the NPP pick up its former glory. I am determined to build a constituency-by-constituency approach to ensure that the party’s foundations remain strong,” he said.

According to him, a strong grassroots structure would provide the foundation needed for the party to win back all the seats lost in the Ashanti Region.

COKA: I have a plan to reclaim lost seats

The former constituency chairman said both the party and his own independent assessments had identified reasons behind the NPP’s defeat in some constituencies, but he would not disclose the details publicly.

“The party has done some research work on why we lost the 2024 elections. I have also done independent research to know why we lost some of those seats to NDC, but I won’t tell you the findings and how I plan to take back the seats on radio,” he said.

“I will share the findings with the party people, but I can assure you that I have a well thought-out plan to win back the seats for NPP,” he added.

COKA said he was particularly disappointed by the loss of some constituencies considered long-standing NPP strongholds, including Adansi Asokwa and Akrofuom.

He described the losses as unacceptable and pledged that his administration would address the mistakes that contributed to the defeat.

“My team will correct all the mistakes when we take office to win back the seats,” he said.

Promises befitting regional office

Beyond electoral recovery, COKA said his vision for the Ashanti Region includes providing the party with a befitting regional office.

He acknowledged the efforts of the current regional leadership under Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), saying he intended to continue ongoing projects while adding his own initiatives.

“Of all the disciples of God, each had a different mission. Chairman Wontumi and the team started something, and I will continue with that so NPP in Ashanti Region can have a befitting regional office,” he said.

COKA pointed to his record as Afigya Kwabre South Constituency Chairman, where he said he played a key role in securing a constituency office.

“I have been a constituency chairman for Afigya Kwabre South for many years, and my record is there for all to see. I helped in getting a constituency office, so I will do the same for NPP in the Ashanti Region,” he stated.

COKA criticises NDC govt

The NPP chairmanship hopeful also criticised the NDC administration, accusing it of failing to deliver some of its key campaign promises ahead of the 2024 elections.

He cited the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, which he said had not materialised in the form promised to Ghana’s youth.

“At the appropriate time, the NPP will take on the NDC administration for deceiving Ghanaians. Today we are paying more for electricity than before. We are paying more for water than before,” he said.

“Even their flagship campaign promise, the 24-hour economy, which was intended to create jobs by running industries in three shifts around the clock, has turned into constructing markets,” he added.

COKA expressed confidence that the NPP would regain lost ground in the next general election, predicting a strong comeback in Ashanti Region.

“I know NPP will take our lost seats back. From my analysis in Ashanti Region, for instance, NDC will have only one seat in 2029,” he said.

35 aspirants contest Ashanti regional executive positions

The Ashanti Regional executive elections form part of the NPP’s nationwide reorganisation exercise aimed at electing new regional leaders to strengthen party structures ahead of the 2028 general election.

A total of 35 aspirants are contesting various positions, including seven women.

Four candidates are vying for the position of First Vice Chairman, while three aspirants have filed for Second Vice Chairman.

Other positions attracting competition include Regional Secretary (three aspirants), Deputy Regional Secretary (four aspirants), Regional Treasurer (three aspirants), Regional Organiser (three aspirants), Regional Women’s Organiser (three aspirants), Regional Youth Organiser (four aspirants), Nasara Coordinator (four aspirants) and Regional Communications Officer (two aspirants).

The vetting and subsequent elections are expected to shape the leadership structure of the NPP in the Ashanti Region as the party begins preparations to rebuild and return to power in 2028.