Former Bantama Member of Parliament and former Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has outlined his vision for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region as he seeks to become the party’s next Regional Chairman.
Dr. Kokofu is contesting the Ashanti Regional NPP chairmanship against Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, with delegates from all 47 constituencies expected to elect new regional executives on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Kumasi.
In an exclusive interview with GHOne News Ashanti Regional Correspondent Isaac Justice Bediako, Dr. Kokofu said his political experience, track record and leadership qualities made him well positioned to lead the party in the region ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He cited his experience as an assembly member, constituency chairman, Member of Parliament and former head of the EPA under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration as some of the qualities he believes distinguish him from his opponent.
According to him, his record demonstrates humility, honesty, hard work and proven performance.
“Delegates should elect me because of my pedigree and the weight of my experience. All that is needed in a leader, they find in me. They find humility, honesty, hard work and time-tested performance in me,” Dr. Kokofu said.
He added that his leadership would be anchored on what he described as three key areas of strength: formal education, party experience and practical political experience.
Regional party office
On concerns about the absence of a permanent regional office for the NPP in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Kokofu said he would initially relocate the regional party office to Bantama if elected.
He explained that during his tenure as Bantama Constituency Chairman, the constituency hosted the regional party office before it was later moved to Asokwa.
“I don’t believe in individuals building regional offices. I believe in the collective efforts of all of us,” he said.
Dr. Kokofu disclosed that the Bantama Constituency had agreed to make office space available to the party temporarily while plans were developed for a permanent regional office.
He said detailed plans for a permanent facility were already being considered and expressed confidence that the project could be achieved through a collective effort involving party members and supporters.
Unity and party discipline
Dr. Kokofu identified unity as one of his major priorities should he be elected Regional Chairman.
He also promised to strengthen discipline within the party and make the development of women and young people a central component of his administration.
He said he would also work towards improving the financial sustainability of constituency structures and strengthening the party’s internal security arrangements.
According to him, these measures would help protect party agents and supporters during elections and prevent intimidation at polling stations, collation centres and during house-to-house campaigns.
“My message is simple. I am going to foster unity. I am going to ensure discipline. I am going to make sure youth and women development is key,” he said.
“I am also going to make sure there is financial sustainability at the constituency levels and put in place internal security arrangements to augment what we already have, so there will be no more intimidation at the polling stations, collation centres and house-to-house whenever we go into the booths.”
Ashanti Region and 2028 elections
Dr. Kokofu also announced plans for a major homecoming and summit involving prominent Ashanti citizens as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s relationship with stakeholders in the region.
He said the proposed gathering would provide an opportunity to discuss issues including party unity, the regional office, relations between the NPP and traditional authorities, and the development priorities the party’s presidential candidate would have for the Ashanti Region if elected President in 2028.
He said the initiative was part of a broader strategy to reposition the party and deepen engagement with influential stakeholders in the region.
The Ashanti Region has traditionally been a major electoral stronghold of the NPP, making the outcome of the regional chairmanship contest significant to the party’s preparations for the 2028 general elections.
Dr. Kokofu expressed confidence that delegates would entrust him with the responsibility of leading the party in the region, arguing that his experience and record placed him in a strong position to unite the party and prepare its structures for the next electoral contest.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
