Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, has been elected Chairman of the Ashanti Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), securing a decisive victory over his main contender, Henry Kwabena Kokofu, at the party’s 2026 Ashanti Regional Executives Election.
According to the summary sheet of results from the regional delegates conference, COKA polled 658 valid votes, representing a commanding lead over Mr Kokofu, who obtained 269 votes.
The chairman’s election recorded 928 total votes cast, comprising 927 valid votes and one rejected ballot.
The result gives COKA a margin of 389 votes over Mr Kokofu, underscoring the strong support he received from delegates across the region.
The election, which brought together NPP delegates from constituencies across the Ashanti Region, was closely watched by party supporters and political observers, particularly because of the significance of the region to the NPP’s electoral fortunes.
A clear mandate
COKA’s victory represents a clear mandate from the delegates to lead the party’s regional structures at a crucial period ahead of the 2028 general election.
His campaign had largely focused on strengthening the party’s grassroots structures, promoting unity and rebuilding confidence among members following the NPP’s performance in the 2024 general election.
The newly elected chairman is expected to work with the other regional executives to mobilise the party’s structures, reconcile differences and position the Ashanti Region for the NPP’s return to power.
The Ashanti Region has traditionally been regarded as one of the NPP’s strongest electoral bases, making the choice of regional leadership particularly important to the party’s national strategy.
Other executives elected
The results sheet also shows that Akwasi Nti Asamoah emerged as the elected First Vice Chairman, polling 465 votes in a contest that recorded 927 total votes cast.
For the Secretary position, Aikins Addai Poku was declared elected after securing 492 votes, with 928 total votes cast.
Other successful candidates listed on the results sheet include executives elected to positions such as Second Vice Chairman, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer, Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Nasara Organiser and Communications Officer.
The results sheet bears the signatures of the relevant election officials and carries the official remarks indicating the successful candidates as “ELECTED.”
Focus shifts to 2028
With the regional elections now concluded, attention is expected to shift to how the new executive team will consolidate the party’s structures and prepare for the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.
COKA will have the responsibility of leading the regional party through a period that is likely to require extensive grassroots mobilisation, internal reconciliation and strategic organisation.
His decisive victory over Mr Kokofu is also expected to shape the political dynamics within the Ashanti NPP, with party members looking to the new leadership to unite the various factions and strengthen the party ahead of the next national elections.
