Newly elected Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, has visited his defeated contender, Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, at his residence, signalling a push for reconciliation a day after the party’s regional elections.

COKA, as he is popularly known, defeated Kokofu in Saturday’s election to take over the leadership of the NPP in the Ashanti Region.

In social media posts, COKA said the election was over and urged party members to put their differences aside and work towards the NPP’s return to power in 2028.

“We are hungry for power, and nobody will be left behind. Together, we will unite, rebuild, and work for victory,” he said.

He thanked delegates and supporters of the Ashanti NPP and said his administration would make room for all contestants, including those who lost the election.

“To all the candidates who contested, especially those who did not win, there is a place for you in my administration. Your experience, ideas, and commitment are valuable to the party,” COKA said.

The meeting with Kokofu comes after a closely watched chairmanship contest in which COKA secured 658 votes, while Kokofu polled 269, according to the declared results.

COKA said he would not take the mandate for granted and pledged to lead with humility, discipline and dedication.

“I will not take this mandate for granted. Together, we will work with humility, unity, discipline, and dedication to restore the NPP to power,” he said.

The Ashanti Region is considered a key electoral stronghold for the NPP, making the new regional administration central to the party’s efforts to rebuild following its defeat in the 2024 general election.

COKA’s early outreach to Kokofu appears aimed at drawing a line under the regional contest and bringing competing factions together ahead of the party’s preparations for the 2028 elections.