Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as Asanteman COKA, has restated his desire to contest the Ashanti Regional Chairmanship of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressing confidence that his time for regional leadership has come.
The former Afigya Kwabre South Constituency Chairman for many years, who previously contested the position against current chairman Wontumi, believes divine timing and service to NPP will favor him this time.
“By the grace of God, l have served my party well from polling station executive to regional level. I contested last time with chairman Wontumi, and the delegates said to me that it was not my time. I waited and stayed with them. l believe this is my time, “he told Angel FM in Kumasi.
COKA’s believes his continued loyalty to NPP despite his previous defeat demonstrates his commitment to party unity and long-term vision.
“I campaigned with my time and resources for the party in the last elections. I am fortified with the bible quotation of Isaiah 60 verse 22, which says that: ‘when the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen’,” he emphasised.
COKA highlighted his track record as a constituency chairman, which he says serves as a foundation for his regional ambitions, particularly his contributions to infrastructure development.
“Look, I am not there yet as chairman of the party, but my record at Afigya Kwabre South constituency chairman is there for all to see. I gave the party a befitting constituency office.”
Should he assume regional leadership, COKA has indicated plans to address the party’s infrastructure needs in the region.
“I know the past and the outgoing regional executives started something, and I pray and hope to continue to get the party in the region a befiting office. Ashanti Region is the heartbeat of NPP, and so we should not be meeting at rented offices and stores. Even NDC has a befiting office in Ashanti Region,” COKA prayed.
The aspiring regional chairman has also outlined his approach to working with former presidents that God has blessed NPP with, emphasizing the importance of experience and tradition.
“Luckily, I have a very good relationship with the two God has blessed us with. President Kufuor and President Akufo Addo. You cannot run Ashanti region without their suggestions. They have vast knowledge and experience about politics and our tradition,” he stated.
As COKA’s leadership philosophy is centered on inclusivity and strategic planning, particularly regarding electoral recovery.
The former constituency Chairman seemed to have certain strategies up his sleeve to reclaim the party’s lost constituencies.
But he maintained his discretion and expressed confidence in the party’s ability to reclaim the constituencies.
“The NPP lost 8 seats to NDC in the last elections. We have done extensive research on why we lost those seats. I have a plan but won’t discuss it on radio. I will discuss it with the party people and I can assure you that we will correct our mistakes and take our seats back. In fact, as l speak to you 5 out of the 8 seats are gone. If elections are held today, NPP will take those seats,” he pointed out.
His assessment of the NDC’s treatment of the Ashanti Region provides additional motivation for his regional leadership bid.
“Look at how NDC has been ungrateful to the people of Ashanti with their appointments and priority projects. The time will come and we will see. I know we will take our seats back.”
He used the occasion to appeal to the members of the BASE movement and other disgruntled NPP members to abandon their current path and return to the party, insisting that no breakaway party or group has ever succeeded against the NPP.
By Peter Kwadwo
