Former Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has reportedly withdrawn his ambition his longtime ambition of becoming the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), opting instead to pursue the Ashanti Regional Chairmanship ahead of the party’s internal elections.
Close Source within his camp say the decision follows growing indications that the national General Secretary race has become increasingly competitive, with entrenched power blocs and influential figures consolidating support around the current General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, and other strong contenders.
The former Bantama member of parliament had earlier made known his interest in contesting the General Secretary position, but insiders say strategic reassessments within his camp pointed to a difficult path to victory at the national level, particularly amid the strengthening grip of the existing party hierarchy.
According to party insiders, the national contest has attracted heavyweight figures, including former Subin Member of Parliament Eugene Boakye Antwi and the party’s National Treasurer, Dr. Charles Dwamena, popularly known as Dr. China, further crowding the field.
However, sources say the decisive factor was the growing influence and organizational control of General Secretary Justin Kodua, which significantly narrowed the space for challengers.
“Once it became clear that the General Secretary position was effectively locked down, the calculations changed,” a senior party source said, adding that Kokofu’s camp began exploring more viable political options.
Attention has now shifted to the Ashanti Region, the electoral stronghold of the NPP, where the former Bantama Constituency Chairman is reportedly preparing to contest the Regional Chairmanship position.
He is expected to face competition from Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, among others, in what is anticipated to be a keenly contested race.
Party insiders say Kokofu is confident his long-standing political roots in the region will work in his favour.
He previously served as Member of Parliament for Bantama, Constituency Chairman, and has held several party and government roles within the region.
Political analysts note that Kokofu’s entry into the Ashanti chairmanship race could significantly alter the dynamics, especially as the region remains critical to the NPP’s electoral fortunes.
Some observers describe him as a potential successor to the incumbent chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.
Although no official announcement has been made, preparations are reportedly underway for a regional campaign, signalling what analysts see as a strategic retreat from a tough national contest to a battleground where Kokofu believes his political capital remains strongest.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
