The race for the Ashanti Regional Chairmanship of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is shaping up to be the defining contest in the party’s regional executive elections, with political observers expecting a fiercely contested battle between Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, and former Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu.
Although 35 aspirants are seeking various executive positions, the chairmanship contest has emerged as the centre of attention because of the strategic importance of the Ashanti Region to the party's electoral fortunes and organisational strength.
Two-horse contest
Unlike several other positions where three or four aspirants are competing, the chairmanship race is a straight contest between two experienced party figures with contrasting political strengths.
Mr. Appiah enters the race with an established grass roots network built over years of active party mobilisation. His showing in the 2022 regional elections, where he secured 306 votes against incumbent Bernard Antwi Boasiako's 464, has strengthened the perception that he commands considerable support among delegates and remains a formidable contender.
Dr Kokofu, on the other hand, brings to the contest extensive public service experience, having served as Member of Parliament for Bantama and later as Chief Executive Officer of the EPA.
His campaign is expected to appeal to delegates looking for administrative experience and a leadership style capable of repositioning the regional party.
The outcome is therefore likely to depend on which candidate succeeds in consolidating support among constituency executives and polling station delegates, who remain the backbone of the party's electoral college.
Campaigns gather momentum
Campaign activities have intensified across the region, with aspirants embarking on constituency tours, engaging delegates and using radio platforms to outline their visions.
The NPP regional office in Kumasi has also become a focal point of campaign activities, with posters of aspirants dominating its surroundings, reflecting the heightened interest in the elections.
The regional vetting committee, chaired by the Second National Vice-Chairperson of the party, Rita Talata Asobayire, has already cleared 20 aspirants, while the remaining contestants are expected to complete the process before campaigning enters its decisive phase.
Beyond the chairmanship
While the chairmanship contest is expected to command the greatest public attention, equally competitive races are unfolding for the first and second vice-chairmanships, secretary, organiser, youth organiser, women organiser, treasurer and other executive positions.
However, whichever candidate emerges victorious in the chairmanship contest is likely to influence the direction of the regional executive and shape the party's preparations towards the 2028 general election.
Given his long-standing grass roots appeal and previous electoral performance, Mr Appiah may begin the contest with a slight advantage. Nevertheless, Dr Kokofu's profile and experience make him a strong challenger, suggesting that the outcome remains too close to call and will ultimately be determined by delegate mobilisation on election day.
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