Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, is emerging as a strong contender for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairmanship, with growing indications that he could go unopposed when nominations open.
The former Kwabre South Constituency Chairman has publicly declared his intention to contest the position and is widely seen within party circles in Kumasi and other constituencies as having begun early preparations ahead of the regional executive elections.
Speculation had linked former Nhyeaso MP and ex-regional organiser Kennedy Kwasi Kankam, as well as former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chief Executive Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, to the race. However, both men have downplayed suggestions that they will challenge Odeneho Kwaku Appiah.
When contacted, Mr Kankam said he had not yet taken a firm decision.
“At the moment I haven’t made any decision. I’m consulting and studying the dynamics,” he said, signalling that he may not be ready to enter the contest.
Dr Kokofu also dismissed claims that he was eyeing the chairmanship, stating that he intends to contest for the party’s General Secretary position instead.
Odeneho Kwaku Appiah previously contested the Ashanti Regional Chairmanship in May 2022 but lost to the incumbent, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. Chairman Wontumi secured 464 votes, while Odeneho Kwaku Appiah polled 306 — a margin of 158 votes.
Other candidates in that election included former Asokwa Constituency Chairman Robert Asare Bediako, who obtained 20 votes; former Ejisu MP Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, who secured nine votes; and Oheneba Kofi Adum Bawuah, who polled three votes.
As the NPP prepares for its next round of regional executive primaries, attention in Kumasi has increasingly turned to internal alignments within the party.
Some supporters of Odeneho Kwaku Appiah argue that he remains one of the most popular figures within the Ashanti regional base and is well-positioned to lead the party into the next electoral cycle.
However, there are claims from sections of his camp that efforts are under way to rally an alternative candidate to contest him.
A recent press conference held at the campaign coordination office of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, where some supporters reportedly called on Dr Bawumia influence Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu to contest the Ashanti regional chairmanship, has intensified speculation about internal manoeuvring by the camp of Chairman Wontumi to fix a candidate against Odeneho Kwaku Appiah.
The NPP has not yet officially opened nominations for the regional executive elections, but political activity within the party in Kumasi suggests that preparations are already under way behind the scenes.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
