Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, has pledged he will run an inclusive administration after he emerged victorious in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairmanship race.
In his acceptance speech, COKA assured members of the party who contested against him that they will all have a bite in his administration’s cake, stressing that the NPP is a party for all and not for a particular group of people.
“To all losing candidates, I know how you feel now and I have news for you. You all have space in my administration. Prepare to come onboard,” the chairman-elect said.
He also said his victory should not be interpreted as a triumph over other contenders but as an opportunity to unite the party and rebuild its structures ahead of the 2028 general elections.
“This victory does not mean I am the oldest, the richest, or the most educated person. Instead, it marks the beginning of a new era. It reflects our unity and our shared commitment to one common goal, to put aside our personal differences, combine our strengths, and work together to rebuild the NPP in the Ashanti Region,” he stated.
He acknowledged the NPP’s current standing as an opposition party and said it must confront its internal challenges head on, if it is to return to government in 2029.
“Our party faces a challenge: to stay united, focused, and determined to build a stronger and better future together. In times like this, unity becomes a must. Let us close our ranks. I promise to lead the way and I will need your help,” he said.
He further promised to ensure that all party members, regardless of age or status, feel included and that in his “chairmanship, everybody will have the chance to perform his or her duties as prescribed by the constitution. I assure you that all party members, young or old, will feel a sense of belonging in my administration,” he added.
COKA also called for tolerance of divergent views, saying his leadership would respect dissenting opinions as part of the democratic process because in a democracy majority always carries the day and dissenting views are respected and welcomed.
He urged party members to abandon internal divisions and support one another.
“From today, let us stop pulling each other down. Let us push each other up. Let us help one another,” he stated.
COKA said his administration would be guided by love and a commitment to the welfare of party members.
“I will not abandon you. I will not leave you to your own resources. I will not stand taller than you,” he stated boldly.
He expressed confidence that a united NPP could regain power in 2028. “The NPP will rise again,” he declared.