Ashanti Region: COKA bans ‘incoming MP’ tag for NPP parliamentary aspirants

Newly elected Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, has cautioned party members against using the phrase “incoming MP” to describe themselves ahead of the party’s parliamentary primaries.

According to him, the practice undermines sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) and weakens the party’s established structures.

Speaking to party members, COKA said he had no problem with individuals expressing interest in contesting parliamentary seats. However, he said aspirants must wait for the appropriate time and follow the party’s processes before making claims about becoming MPs.

He said it was inappropriate for individuals to go around their constituencies presenting themselves as “incoming MPs” when no parliamentary election had been held to determine who would represent the party.

“I see people who are going about in the constituencies calling themselves ‘incoming MP’,” he said, stressing that the party had decided to do away with the practice.

COKA urged members to stop using the tag, even when supporting potential parliamentary candidates at social events such as funerals.

“It’s okay to support people at funerals with money but do not go announcing yourself as an incoming MP. We have cancelled that incoming MP tag,” he warned.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman also appealed to NPP members and party leaders to support his administration as he works to strengthen the party in the region.

He said his ability to succeed as regional chairman would depend largely on the cooperation and support of party members.

He further pledged to protect the authority and dignity of sitting NPP MPs, saying he would not tolerate disrespect towards elected representatives from polling station executives, electoral area coordinators or constituency officers.

He called on all members to respect the party’s rules and structures and allow elected officials to perform their duties without interference.

According to him, maintaining discipline and unity within the party will be important if the NPP is to rebuild its strength and return to power.

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