A renewed sense of enthusiasm is sweeping through the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region following indications that former Bantama Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, is preparing to contest for the position of Ashanti Regional Chairman.
Although he has yet to officially declare his candidacy, news of his intention has dominated local political discussions this week, with campaign flyers circulating widely on social media and supporters openly expressing excitement about his anticipated bid.
Dr. Kokofu’s emergence comes at a critical moment for the NPP in the Ashanti Region, particularly after the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections. Many party faithful believe his extensive experience within the party structure positions him as a strong candidate capable of rebuilding grassroots confidence and revitalising the party’s support base ahead of the 2028 elections.
Extensive Political Experience
Dr. Kokofu is regarded by many within the NPP as a seasoned party figure who has risen through the ranks over several decades.
His political journey began as a Polling Station Chairman in Bantama before serving as Electoral Area Coordinator for North Suntreso. He later became a two-term Constituency Chairman for Bantama and subsequently served as Member of Parliament for the constituency, one of the NPP’s traditional strongholds.
Over the years, he has also served on several important party committees, including the Ashanti Regional Finance Committee, Reconciliation Committee, and Elections Committee. In addition, he has been an active member of both regional and national communication teams for more than two decades.
Public Service and Professional Background
Beyond partisan politics, Dr. Kokofu has held several key public sector positions. He previously served as Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he gained recognition for his administrative leadership and regulatory oversight.
He has also served on the boards of the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, Petroleum Commission, Ghana Maritime Authority, and the National Development Planning Commission. Before his appointment at the EPA, he worked as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC).
Academically, Dr. Kokofu holds a Master of Science degree in Agroforestry from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ghana School of Law.
Focus on Rebuilding the Party
Dr. Kokofu has acknowledged the challenges facing the NPP in the Ashanti Region following the 2024 elections, describing the current political climate as one marked by disappointment and declining grassroots enthusiasm.
According to close associates, his campaign is expected to focus heavily on reconnecting with party supporters, rebuilding internal unity, and strengthening grassroots mobilisation structures across the region.
His vision is reportedly anchored on three key priorities: loyalty to the NPP’s 2028 presidential ambitions led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, protection of the party’s political legacy under former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and renewed grassroots empowerment.
Grassroots Support Growing
Dr. Kokofu’s possible candidacy appears to be gaining momentum among party supporters at the grassroots level.
In February 2026, a coalition known as the Grassroots and Identifiable Groups of the NPP publicly appealed to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to encourage Dr. Kokofu to contest the Ashanti Regional chairmanship position.
The group’s convener, Fred Appiah, described Dr. Kokofu as a unifying and experienced leader capable of repositioning the party for victory in the 2028 elections.
Political observers within the region believe the growing support for Dr. Kokofu reflects a desire among party members for experienced leadership capable of restoring morale and strengthening party structures after the electoral setback.
A Difficult Task Ahead
Despite the growing enthusiasm surrounding his expected bid, analysts believe the next Ashanti Regional Chairman will face significant challenges, including rebuilding party unity, addressing grassroots dissatisfaction, and restoring confidence among supporters.
Supporters of Dr. Kokofu, however, remain optimistic that his long-standing involvement in party organisation and grassroots mobilisation could help reposition the NPP strongly in the region ahead of the next general election.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
