The Acting National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Danquah Smith Butey, has denied reports of a rift between former Bantama Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Henry Kokofu and newly elected Ashanti Regional Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Butey said there was no bad blood between the two, describing reports of a disagreement as mere speculation.
According to him, COKA has been an active member of the party for many years and deserved the opportunity to lead the region after his previous attempt to become chairman.
“There is no bad blood or rift between Kokofu and COKA. The claims are mere speculations. COKA has been around for a long time, and he needed to win because the last time he contested with Wontumi, Wontumi didn’t have it easy,” he stated.
Mr Butey expressed confidence in COKA’s ability to perform his new role, saying there should be no doubt about his leadership capacity.
“I believe he can do the work and that is not in contention,” he said.
He also pointed to COKA’s previous position as chairman of regional chairmen during the NPP’s time in government as evidence of his experience and ability to mobilise the party.
“He was the chairman of chairmen when we won 16 seats, so I have faith in him that he will do the work even though he doesn’t talk much,” he said.
COKA was elected Ashanti Regional Chairman in the NPP’s regional executive elections held on Saturday, August 15.
He secured 663 votes to defeat his only contender, Dr Kokofu, who polled 269 votes.
COKA succeeds Chairman Wontumi, who had served as Ashanti Regional Chairman since 2014 and did not contest the election.
Mr Butey expressed confidence that the new regional leadership would work to strengthen the NPP’s structures in the Ashanti Region and improve the party’s chances ahead of the 2028 general elections.
