Newly elected Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA), has visited his former contender, Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, following Saturday’s regional elections, with both men calling for unity within the party.

COKA secured a decisive victory in the election, polling 663 votes against Dr Kokofu’s 269 votes.

During the visit to Dr Kokofu’s residence in Kumasi, COKA said unity would be necessary for the NPP to regain power in the 2028 general elections.

“If we need power, there must be unity. Creating a united party was part of my campaign because without unity, we can’t win power,” he said.

He said he had made reconciliation a priority after the election and chose to begin by reaching out to his former contender.

“In seeking unity, I had to start from here, so I will plead that we all forgive each other for all wrongdoings and work together to bring the party to power,” he added.

Dr Kokofu, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), welcomed the visit and pledged his support for COKA’s leadership.

“For us now, the vehicle is unity. He, as the winner and victor, has a huge responsibility to extend the hands of invitation. He has just done that. Perfect,” Dr Kokofu said.

He said the responsibility of rebuilding the party rested on all members.

Dr Kokofu also explained that he had tried to call COKA to congratulate him after the election but was unable to reach him, so he sent a text message instead.

“You are welcome to the seat. It is not an easy task, but with all of us around, we have to succeed,” he added.

The meeting was attended by some regional executives and other party members.