NPP Ashanti executives petition National Steering Committee to cancel COKA’s appointments over alleged unconstitutionality

A group of elected Ashanti regional executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have petitioned the party’s National Steering Committee to cancel appointments made to newly created regional executive positions, alleging breaches of the party’s constitution and appointment guidelines.

The petition, dated October 28, 2026, and signed by the Regional First Vice Chairman, Amofa Jantuah, Denis Kwakwa regional Organizer and others calls for the National Steering Committee, the National Council and the National Executive Committee (NEC) to intervene and supervise a fresh appointment process.

The disputed positions comprise two Deputy Regional Vice Chairpersons, a Deputy Regional Communications Officer and a Regional IT Officer.

According to the petition, the appointments followed the adoption of Motions 2, 3, 4 and 5 at the party’s 2026 National Delegates Conference, after which the General Secretary issued guidelines on October 16, 2026, for filling newly created regional and constituency executive positions.

The petitioners contend that the guidelines require elected regional officers to consult the NEC through the General Secretary and insist that the process must be transparent, inclusive and consistent with the party’s constitution.

They argue, however, that the Ashanti Regional Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah popularly known as COKA failed to adhere to these requirements in making the appointments.

One of the principal concerns raised in the petition is the alleged participation of previously appointed officers in the selection process.

The petition claims that the Regional Chairman involved appointed officers, including the Financial Secretary, Special Duties Officer, Research Officer, Electoral Officer and Legal Officer, alongside deputy officers, in selecting the new executives.

The petitioners argue that these officers are not part of the elected regional leadership mandated by the guidelines to undertake the consultation. They further contend that their involvement gave the chairman an undue advantage and undermined the fairness and independence of the process.

The petition also alleges that the Regional First Vice Chairman Amofa Jantuah cautioned the chairman against proceeding with what he considered an unlawful procedure.

According to the document, the chairman rejected the caution and invoked what the petition describes as a “veto power” to continue with the process, prompting the First Vice Chairman to walk out of the meeting in protest.

The petitioners further claim that most of the elected regional executives opposed the procedure but that the chairman proceeded with the appointments despite their objections.

They maintain that the alleged disregard for the views of the majority of elected officers contradicts the guidelines’ requirement for an inclusive consultation process.

The petition also questions whether the appointments serve the party’s broader interests, arguing that the guidelines were intended to promote unity, broaden the party’s appeal and strengthen its electoral prospects ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The petitioners contend that appointments made amid disagreement among elected regional officers risk deepening divisions rather than fostering unity within the party.They are therefore asking the National Steering Committee, the National Council and the NEC to cancel all appointments to the four newly created regional executive positions.

They have also requested a directive preventing the appointees from assuming office or acting in the positions while the petition remains unresolved.

Additionally, the petitioners want the national party leadership to supervise and assist the Ashanti Regional Executive Committee in conducting a fresh appointment process in accordance with the General Secretary’s guidelines and the party’s constitution.

They specifically call for proper consultation with the NEC through the General Secretary and the participation of elected regional officers in the process.

The petitioners have also urged the party’s leadership to take any further measures necessary to restore unity and confidence in the Ashanti Region.

In their conclusion, the officers said the petition was motivated by their commitment to the party’s unity and readiness for the 2028 elections. They expressed willingness to provide further information, evidence or witnesses and requested an early hearing.

The allegations and demands are contained in the petition submitted by the elected regional officers. The document does not indicate whether the National Steering Committee or the Ashanti Regional Chairman has formally responded to the claims.