Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, a prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, US-based medical doctor, and political commentator, has commended Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Ashanti Regional Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (Asanteman COKA) for their proactive efforts to bridge internal divides and unite aggrieved party members.
In a statement released Tuesday morning, the former presidential aspirant praised leadership’s engagement with alienated members and former appointees, calling the initiative essential for internal cohesion and future electoral victory.
Dr. Kennedy specifically highlighted a major stakeholder consultative meeting hosted in Kumasi last Sunday, where party leadership directly engaged dissatisfied members.
He described the gathering as a clear signal that the party is ready to embrace all factions.
“The ‘welcome-to-Jesus’ approach adopted by Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA) is highly commendable,” Dr. Kennedy stated.
He added, “I firmly believe this same inclusive mindset should characterize the strategy of the national executive leadership to ensure that all disenchanted members feel truly welcomed back into the NPP fold.”
Background
The praise follows a high-level forum organized by Chairman COKA in Kumasi at the request of Dr. Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders and former officials across the Ashanti Region, the party’s traditional stronghold, including:
Former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs)
Former CEOs of state agencies
Former Members of Parliament (MPs) and parliamentary candidates
Members of the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders and Patrons
During the candid, interactive sessions, attendees openly expressed long-standing grievances, citing unfair treatment, marginalization, and internal bias as primary causes of growing activist apathy.
Call for Unity:
Addressing the forum, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia acknowledged the pain and frustration expressed by members and appealed for forgiveness and reconciliation.
He urged party executives, leadership, and grassroots supporters to move past former disputes, rebuild internal trust, and present a united campaign front ahead of upcoming elections.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
