News desk report
A former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Afigya Kwabre South constituency chairman, Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (Asanteman COKA), has stated his position to stand for the party’s regional chairmanship race, on the foundations of loyalty and experience.
Asanteman COKA, in the last four years, contested for the Ashanti Regional chairmanship race, which saw Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) as winner.
He said, “I waited and stayed with the party. In fact, during the last elections, I went round with our candidate, Dr. Mahmudu Bawumia and, in some cases, with the running mate to campaign for NPP. There were times I went round with my own resources to encourage people to vote for NPP.”
“I know NPP that if you are loyal and you pay your dues, the party people will reward you. By the grace of God, this is the time for you delegates to honor me to become Ashanti Regional chairman of NPP, ” he said while talking to delegates on his hope tour in kumasi.
Asanteman COKA also used the occasion to address the growing activities of the BASE movement in the Ashanti Region, urging members to return to the party rather than fight it from the outside.
He acknowledged their constitutional right to associate freely with any group but was firm that no breakaway group had ever succeeded against the NPP.
He said, “If you belong to a family and you have issues with one or two members of the family, it doesn’t mean you should break away. You should rather remain and help correct the mistakes. One day, it will be your turn.l promise that when l am elected regional chairman of NPP, l will engage all disgruntled NPP members to try and bring them back to NPP. “
He added that he has seen firsthand what happens to those who leave, saying “I don’t want to mention names but I know many people who left NPP to join other political groups when they were not happy with some issues in NPP and today they have regretted.” His message was especially directed at the youth.
When he becomes chairman, COKA plans to implement enough policies to help the brand of the party in the Ashanti Region.
When asked about one of the key things he intends to uphold when the branding is concerned, he hinted at a party office.
He said, “Of all the disciples of God each had a different mission. Look, chairman Wontumi and the team started something, and I will continue with that so NPP in Ashanti Region can have a befitting office.”
He believes he has the ability to handle such a task because “I have been a constituency chairman for Afigya Kwabre South for many years, and my record is there for all to see. I helped in getting a constituency office, so I will do the same for NPP in the Ashanti Region.”
He urged the members of his party both in the region and the entire nation to stay calm and have hope. He told them to still believe because God has not abandoned them. “Let’s believe in Ghana. Let’s believe in NPP. This, too, shall pass.”
Lastly, ” they should pray for me and join the COKA family for we care. There is hope. ” He ended.
