Former Member of Parliament for Bantama Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu has officially declared his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary position, presenting a blend of political experience, academic credentials and public service as the foundation of his candidacy.
Born on October 5, 1960, Dr Kokofu served in the Sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana representing Bantama Constituency between 2013 and 2017 on the NPP ticket. He previously confirmed his decision to contest the position during an interview on Okay FM on Monday, May 19, 2025, stating that he stands ready in his mind, might and everything to contest to bring the party back to its glory.
The former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director launched a campaign website outlining his qualifications and vision for strengthening the NPP following the party’s defeat in the December 2024 general elections. The website highlights decades of experience in leadership positions and advanced academic qualifications, describing his combination of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
Dr Kokofu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), acquired in 1971, though this appears to be an error as he was born in 1960. He obtained a Master of Science degree in Agroforestry from KNUST in 2007 and also holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Ghana School of Law. He is an alumnus of Kumasi High School.
The former MP has served on numerous governing boards including the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, Petroleum Commission, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana Maritime Authority, National Development Planning Commission, Public Private Partnership Committee, Public Investment Planning Committee, and Trust Logistics Limited. He also chaired the Liaison Group during his tenure in various government positions.
Dr Kokofu served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) before his appointment as EPA Executive Director. During his parliamentary term, he served on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Forestry, accumulating experience in natural resource management and environmental governance.
In September 2025, Dr Kokofu called for a complete overhaul of the NPP’s leadership structure, stating that the party cannot continue under its current structure. Speaking in an interview with 3FM, he said there must be a complete cleanup and expressed confidence in his ability to help rebuild party structures that he described as disintegrated.
The former EPA chief emphasized the need to replace current party executives, stating that the message from grassroots members is clear that the current crop of party executives must be changed. He reflected on the party’s defeat in the Akwatia by election held in August 2025, admitting that the outcome revealed deeper weaknesses in organizational machinery and poorly grounded structures.
Dr Kokofu declined an opportunity to contest as NPP flagbearer when approached, citing the party’s fragile state at the time. Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem in June 2025, he revealed that where the party is right now, it is important to change certain things internally before pursuing higher office.
Pro NPP grassroots groups urged the party’s 2024 flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to support Dr Kokofu for the Ashanti Regional NPP chairmanship in February 2026. Fred Appiah, convener of the Grassroots and Identifiable Groups of the NPP, said the party required a unifying and courageous leader to build on the legacy of current regional chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The grassroots coalition described Dr Kokofu as committed, selfless and widely respected across party ranks. Appiah stated that Dr Kokofu’s track record and relationships within the party make him the best option to consolidate support and position the Ashanti Region for victory in the 2028 general election.
Dr Kokofu has served in various party positions from polling station executive to constituency chairperson before entering Parliament. His campaign emphasizes party rebuilding, unity and internal reform as key priorities for restoring the NPP’s electoral fortunes following its historic defeat in December 2024.
The NPP lost both the presidential and parliamentary elections in December 2024, with President John Dramani Mahama defeating Dr Bawumia by over 1.6 million votes. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured 183 parliamentary seats compared to the NPP’s 88, marking the party’s worst electoral performance in the Fourth Republic.
Current NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, popularly known as JFK, has not publicly announced whether he will seek reelection. The party is expected to hold national executive elections later in 2026 as part of its reorganization efforts ahead of the 2028 electoral cycle.
The General Secretary position is considered crucial for party administration, organization and mobilization. The officeholder oversees day to day operations, coordinates regional and constituency structures, manages party finances and serves as the primary liaison between national leadership and grassroots members.
Dr Kokofu identifies as a Christian and is married. He hails from Adiebeba Kumasi, a town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. His campaign website promises to provide updates on developments and announcements as the party moves toward its internal elections.
The NPP has scheduled a series of stakeholder engagements and consultations to chart a path forward following its electoral defeat. Party leaders have emphasized the need for introspection, renewal and strategic repositioning to rebuild public confidence and reconnect with voters across all regions.
