Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency chairman for Afigya Kwabre South, has welcomed the recent constitutional amendments adopted by the party, describing them as inclusive, strategic, and timely for the party’s renewal and unity.
He praised both the content of the reforms and the conduct of the national delegates’ conference held in Accra, where 54 amendments were unanimously adopted by party delegates.
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Inclusive reforms to broaden participation
According to COKA, the amendments are a significant step toward giving a broader section of the party’s grassroots and leadership a voice in internal decision-making.
He noted that the inclusion of previously sidelined groups such as former Members of Parliament, ex-constituency and regional executives, former parliamentary candidates, and former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) is a major leap forward.
“Now, former MPs like Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Isaac Asiamah, Joe Osei-Wusu, and KT Hammond qualify to vote in selecting party leaders. This is a bold step that brings back experienced hands into the heart of the party,” COKA stated.
Reflecting on the event, COKA was full of praise for the national leadership:
“I must commend the national executives for organising such a well-attended and orderly conference. The enthusiasm I saw was amazing. We are indeed reorganising and we will bounce back stronger.”
He maintained that the positive energy witnessed at the conference reflects a party in recovery mode, determined to correct past mistakes and position itself for future electoral success.
COKA further highlighted key structural reforms, including the establishment of a dedicated office for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within the party — a move he says underscores the NPP’s commitment to inclusive governance.
“We now have special offices to address various needs. PWDs now have formal representation. TESCON and the diaspora are also fully recognised. These are not just symbolic changes — they give voice to every corner of our party.”
He referenced confusion during his own past regional chairmanship bid over TESCON voting rights, which the new amendments have clarified.
“Going forward, it is clear: it is the TESCON President who will vote during the selection of party leaders. This ends years of confusion.”
Strategic silence on 2028 flagbearer
When asked about his preferred candidate for the party’s 2028 presidential flagbearer race, COKA was measured and tactful.
“I will vote for the person who can win the 2028 elections,” he said with a smile. “I won’t mention names now. I want to remain a unifying figure who can bring even the losing candidates back to support our campaign.”
His response signals a strategic positioning — prioritising unity over factionalism as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle.
NPP will bounce back — “It’s a Spirit”
Expressing strong faith in the NPP’s ability to rebound from recent setbacks, including seat losses in its Ashanti Region stronghold, COKA offered a message of hope and determination.
“The NPP I know is a spirit. We’ve made mistakes, and we’ve admitted them. But we’re correcting those errors. It’s just a matter of time.”
Targeting lost Ashanti region seats
COKA specifically pointed to the party’s disappointing losses in Adansi Asokwa and Akrofuom constituencies, which were captured by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the last election.
“It was painful losing those seats. But we’ve done our homework. We know what happened. I have a plan to win them back — though I won’t discuss it on radio.”
With these words, the former chairman signals his ongoing involvement in party strategy, particularly in the Ashanti Region where the NPP traditionally commands dominance.
A party rebuilding for victory
With new voting rights extended, structures clarified, and enthusiasm rekindled, the NPP’s internal engine appears to be revving once more — and if COKA’s optimism is anything to go by, the party may well be on the road to redemption.
