Former Bantama Member of Parliament (MP) Henry Kwabena Kokofu has emerged as a key figure in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairmanship race, presenting a blend of political experience, academic accomplishment and public service as the foundation of his candidacy.
Born on October 5, 1960, Dr. Kokofu served in the Sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, representing the Bantama Constituency on the ticket of the NPP. His political journey, however, began long before his time in Parliament, spanning grassroots mobilisation and various internal party roles at the constituency, regional and national levels.
Within the NPP, Dr. Kokofu has held positions including Polling Station Chairman, Electoral Area Coordinator for North Suntreso in Bantama, and two-term Constituency Chairman for Bantama. He has also served as Finance Committee Chairman, Reconciliation Committee Secretary and Election Committee Secretary in the Ashanti Region. In addition, he has been a member of both regional and national communication teams for more than two decades.
Party observers say this extensive involvement in the party’s internal structures has given him a deep understanding of organisational dynamics in the Ashanti Region, widely regarded as the NPP’s electoral stronghold.
Beyond partisan politics, Dr. Kokofu has built a career in public administration and corporate governance. He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and has sat on several governing boards, including the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, Petroleum Commission, Ghana Maritime Authority and the National Development Planning Commission.
His professional background also includes academia and legal practice. He has lectured at the University of Ghana, Legon, and is a partner at Amicus/Daniellen Chambers. He is affiliated with several professional bodies, including the Ghana Bar Association and the International Bar Association, and is a fellow of the Ghana Institute of Foresters and OSHA (Ghana and UK).
Academically, Dr. Kokofu holds a PhD in Environmental Science and multiple postgraduate degrees, including an LLM in Oil and Gas Law, an LLM in National Security Law and Practice (ongoing), an MSc in Defence and International Politics, and an MSc in Agroforestry. He is also a Barrister-at-Law and holds an LLB and a BSc in Natural Resources Management.
In addition to his domestic roles, he has represented Ghana internationally as Presidential Special Envoy of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), participating in global engagements on behalf of the President. He has also served as a regional representative for EXPERT 365 PTY in Melbourne, Australia.
Dr. Kokofu’s campaign for the Ashanti Regional Chairmanship centres on integrity, participatory leadership and strengthening party structures. He has pledged transparent governance, renewed grassroots engagement and strategic planning aimed at consolidating the NPP’s electoral dominance in the region.
As the party prepares for its internal elections, the Ashanti Regional Chairmanship is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the NPP’s broader national strategy. Dr. Kokofu’s supporters argue that his political longevity, administrative experience and academic depth position him as a seasoned contender in the race.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
