The former Afigya Kwabre South Constituency Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Odenho Kwaku Appiah, also known as COKA, has urged Dr Mahmadu Bawumia, the party's flagbearer for 2024 polls to expedite the selection of a running mate in order to mitigate growing divisions within the party, particularly in the Ashanti Region.

COKA, along with many others within the NPP, believes that the party's running mate should hail from the Ashanti Region, which is considered the stronghold of the NPP. 

However, this belief has sparked intense lobbying among various interest groups, leading to heightened tension and division within the region.

Recognising the significance of the Ashanti Region as the NPP's main base, Mr COKA emphasised the importance of maintaining unity to secure a substantial victory in the upcoming elections. 

He warned that failure to address the internal divisions could jeopardise the party's chances, especially considering the targeted efforts of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the region.

Highlighting the constitutional obligation for Dr Bawumia to have selected a running mate by the end of the previous year, COKA expressed concern over the delay in the process and its detrimental effects on party cohesion. 

He urged Dr Bawumia to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration and to allow for effective management of any resulting disagreements.

Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah emphasised the need for defeated aspirants to set aside personal grievances and unite behind the party's campaign to secure victory in the upcoming elections.

In conclusion, Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah stressed the imperative of party unity and called upon Dr Bawumia to promptly select a running mate to quell internal divisions and bolster the NPP's electoral prospects.