Former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Henry Kwabena Kokofu has declared his intention to contest for the Ashanti Regional chairmanship of the opposition New Patriotic Party, setting up what is expected to become a keenly contested race in the party’s traditional stronghold.
Speaking on Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM, Kokofu said he was returning to regional politics out of a sense of duty to help rebuild the party following its defeat in the 2024 general election.
“I am coming back home to serve,” he said. “People still think I am above that role but this is about service.”
Speculations
Kokofu said some party supporters had previously encouraged him to contest for higher national positions, including flagbearer and national chairman roles, but he declined after consultations.
He dismissed suggestions that he had abandoned plans to contest the party’s general secretary position, saying he had never officially engaged delegates on that front.
“On the record, I have not engaged delegates on that score and these are all speculations,” he said.
Motivation
The former EPA boss argued that the Ashanti regional branch of the NPP needed urgent rebuilding and renewed leadership after what he described as a “humiliating defeat.”
“The Ashanti NPP is now standing at the edge of the cliff,” Kokofu said, adding that appeals from party youth groups and supporters influenced his decision to enter the race.
He also pointed to what he described as an aggressive political push by the governing National Democratic Congress in the Ashanti Region, traditionally regarded as the NPP’s electoral stronghold.
“The NDC is on demolition spree at our stronghold,” he said. “The party needs someone who can keep the party together.”
Fierce contest
Kokofu said the next regional chairman must be capable of uniting the party, restoring confidence among supporters and reconnecting with voters ahead of future elections.
“We need someone who is God-fearing, has wisdom, unite the party and win the hearts of the voter,” he said, citing his “unblemished track record” as a reason he was best positioned for the role.
His announcement is expected to intensify competition within the Ashanti regional branch and appears to challenge assumptions that former Afigya Kwabre South NPP chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, would face no opposition in the race.
COKA previously contested current Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, who is believed to be considering a bid for the party’s national chairmanship position.
Source: asaaseradio.com
