Some members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti region have raised concerns over the alleged relationship between Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, and some communicators of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 general elections.
Speaking to Kumasi Mail, an NPP grassroots activist, Kofi Asubonten, alleged that Odeneho supported some NDC communicators at a time when NPP communicators were struggling to mobilise resources for the party’s campaign.
“I used to like Odeneho very much until I noticed that he was sponsoring NDC communicators when we were in government, whiles the party communicators, were struggling. this is what the NDC communicators have been telling us,” he alleged.
Mr. Asubonten said the alleged conduct had made him question whether Mr. Odeneho would prioritise the interests of the NPP if elected Regional Chairman.
“I wish delegates would vote for him to become our Chairman, but I can’t trust such a person. What was his motivation for supporting NDC communicators?” he asked.
He, however, acknowledged that political opponents should not necessarily be treated as enemies, but argued that party members would have legitimate concerns if such relationships extended to providing resources or facilities to the opposition.
“It is not good for NPP members to see their opponents as enemies. However, it equally doesn’t make sense to hand over your facility for them to hold their victory party in your entertainment and event centre,” he said.
Mr. Asubonten, who described Mr. Odeneho as a businessman, said allegations circulating at various campaign grounds had raised concerns among some party supporters about how he would balance his business interests with his responsibilities as a regional party chairman.
He expressed fear that if elected, Mr. Odeneho could continue doing business with members of the NDC in ways that, in his view, could potentially affect the interests of the NPP.
Questions over NPP Presidential Primary
The NPP activist also raised questions over claims that Mr. Odeneho did not actively campaign for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during the party’s presidential primary.
“I have also heard that Odeneho Kwaku Appiah didn’t campaign for Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia during the NPP presidential primaries. For me, I believe he doesn’t believe in our presidential candidate. Therefore, I think Odeneho Kwaku Appiah should come clear and explain to us if all these rumours are true,” he said.
The allegations remain claims by Mr. Asubonten, and no independent evidence was provided to substantiate them.
Mr. Odeneho has not, in the comments provided, responded to the allegations.
NPP Ashanti regional elections
Campaign activities have intensified among candidates seeking election as regional executives of the NPP in the Ashanti Region ahead of the party’s regional elections.
The regional chairmanship contest is a two-horse race between former Bantama Member of Parliament and former constituency chairman, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, and former Afigya Kwabre West Constituency Chairman, Odeneho Kwaku Appiah.
The contest for Regional Secretary involves Dr. Francis Adomako, Paul Kwabena Nyandoh and Michael Amoah Awuku, while the Regional Communications Director position is being contested by Dr. Kirskin Owusu and Dr. Ishaq Kyei Brobbey.
Delegates from the NPP’s 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region are expected to converge in Kumasi on Saturday, August 15, 2026, to elect new regional executives who will lead the party’s structures ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The elections are expected to be closely watched given the strategic importance of the Ashanti Region to the NPP.
The elections committee has urged aspirants and their supporters to conclude their campaigns using decent language and avoid statements that could create divisions within the party.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
