Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA), Chairman of Asanteman, has called on members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to strictly follow due process during the ongoing membership registration exercise, warning that deviations from established rules could create confusion and undermine party unity.

Speaking in an interview, Ashanti Region, COKA appealed for calm and fairness, stressing that party cohesion must take priority over individual interests.

“The party is not in the best of position. Therefore, it is imperative that we strictly follow the official rules and procedures provided by party leadership for the membership registration exercise in order to prevent confusion and disputes. We need a fair process that all Patriots can trust and unite behind for victory in 2028,” he said.

COKA acknowledged that recent political activities, including the flagbearership contest, have created divisions within the party. He urged members to ensure that the registration process and the election of polling station executives do not exacerbate tensions.

“The NPP is going through a reorganisation process after our defeat in the 2024 elections. We just came out from the flagbearership contest which has brought some division within the rank and file of the Party. Let us not add to the division with our registration and polling station election exercise,” he said.

The veteran party leader highlighted directives that all members should be allowed to register and obtain party cards, and that polling station elections should be conducted between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., not during midnight or at dawn as has occurred in some areas in the past.

Emphasizing unity, COKA reminded members of their shared identity, saying, “We are all from one elephant family,” invoking the party’s symbol to reinforce the principle that the party’s interests must supersede individual ambitions.

He also stressed that the grassroots decision to elect Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer must be respected. “Our grassroots have spoken. They have elected Dr. Bawumia to lead us into the 2028 elections. Let us not do things that could jeopardise his chances in the next election,” he said, underlining the legitimacy of the democratic process within the party.

COKA called for reflection and reconciliation, noting that heated primary campaigns can leave lingering tensions. “It is time to take stock of the excesses in the campaign. Let’s do proper introspection and reconcile our great party. If we organise well at the polling station behind our leader, NPP will be in a better position to win the next elections,” he said.

Invoking party tradition, COKA urged members to put aside personal differences and rally behind the flagbearer.

“Our tradition has shown the way. Once the rank and file have elected our flagbearer, it is important we put our personal differences behind us and support the Party’s presidential candidate for 2028,” he added.

He concluded on a note of optimism and faith, wishing well for both the party and the nation. “God bless NPP. God bless Ghana,” he said.