MP for Effiduase-Asokore Dr Nana Ayew Afriye has congratulated Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA) on his election as Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), calling on all members to unite behind the newly elected regional executives ahead of the 2028 elections.

In a statement following Saturday’s regional elections, Dr Ayew Afriye said the contest was now over and the party’s attention must shift to strengthening the NPP and preparing for the next general election.

“I take this opportunity again to extend my warmest congratulations to Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA) and all the newly elected executive officers chosen by the Ashanti regional delegates,” he said.

COKA defeated Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu in the chairmanship race, securing 658 votes against Kokofu’s 269, according to the declared results.

Dr Ayew Afriyie said the outcome demonstrated the “vibrant democratic spirit” of the party, but stressed that the collective interest of the NPP must now take precedence over individual ambitions.

“The contest is now behind us, and our paramount focus must immediately shift toward the collective good of the New Patriotic Party,” he said.

He urged supporters and party members across the Ashanti Region to work together, arguing that victory in the 2028 presidential election would require the contribution of both successful candidates and those who lost in the regional contest.

“Securing victory for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP in the 2028 presidential election demands the active contribution, talent, and dedication of both the victors and those who did not prevail,” he said.

The former contestants, he added, should put their differences aside and “work shoulder-to-shoulder” to build a stronger party structure in the region.

Dr Ayew Afriye also expressed confidence that the NPP could regain power in 2028, saying he believed the political environment presented an opportunity for the party to return to government.

He called on party supporters to rally behind COKA and the other newly elected executives to build what he described as a “unified and resilient Ashanti party” capable of delivering victory for the NPP.

“Let us rally behind the entire executives for a unified and resilient Ashanti party ready to deliver victory for the NPP,” he said.