Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has publicly endorsed Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, for the position of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), referring to him as the “incoming chairman.”
The endorsement came during the commissioning of a new NPP constituency office in Bantama, Kumasi, on Friday, 19 September. The event was attended by several high-profile party figures, including former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
“It is now time for other Kumasi, Ashanti MPs—and the incoming chairman, [Odeneho Kwaku Appiah]—to do the same,” Akufo-Addo stated, prompting loud applause from party supporters present.
COKA, a long-serving member of the NPP and influential figure in the Ashanti Region, has already declared his intention to run for the regional chairmanship. Akufo-Addo’s public backing is expected to give his campaign significant momentum.
The event also served to honour past NPP leaders through the dedication of constituency offices, and became a rallying point for calls to strengthen party unity. Bantama MP Francis Asenso-Boakye joined Akufo-Addo in urging members to remain united ahead of future elections.
During his speech, Akufo-Addo also criticized the performance of former President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, labeling it as “abysmal.” He encouraged party members to campaign vigorously on the achievements of his government and that of former President Kufuor.
With the Ashanti Region being a key NPP stronghold, the upcoming regional chairmanship contest is seen as crucial to the party’s strategy for a successful return to power in 2028.
