Tano North MP Gideon Boako has endorsed Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, as the candidate best placed to rebuild the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) support base in the Ashanti Region ahead of the 2028 elections.

Speaking to delegates at Afigya Kwabre South, where COKA previously served as constituency chairman, Mr Boako said the former constituency chairman had built relationships with groups that had become disenchanted with the NPP.

He argued that COKA’s strength stemmed from his understanding of the factors that contributed to the party’s poor performance in parts of the Ashanti Region during the 2024 general election.

“If we look at COKA his strength lies in the weaknesses that led to the people not voting for the NPP in the Ashanti Region,” Boako said.

“In fact, he started reaching out to the businessmen, the clergy traders’ group,” he said.

Boako said those efforts had positioned COKA to reconnect the NPP with sections of the electorate who had previously supported the party but did not vote for it in the last election.

“And so those who for obvious reasons did not vote for the NPP has someone who has already built a credible relationship with such people then it is COKA,” he said.

Describing COKA as a grassroots politician, Boako said his experience at the constituency level gave him an understanding of the party’s structures and the concerns of its supporters.

“He is a grassroot man,” he said.

The Tano North MP subsequently urged delegates to support COKA, arguing that he could help bring back members and supporters who had drifted away from the NPP.

“He is the best candidate to bring all those who fall out of the party, mobilise and secure victory for the NPP,” Mr Boako said.

COKA is contesting the NPP Ashanti Regional chairmanship election scheduled for 15 August, with delegates expected to elect regional executives as the party seeks to reorganise its structures ahead of the 2028 general election.

The Ashanti Region has traditionally been a stronghold of the NPP, making the party’s regional leadership contest particularly significant as it seeks to regain support and strengthen its electoral base.