Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called on members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reject tribal divisions and work together for a stronger, more inclusive party.
Speaking during his campaign tour of the Oti Region on Sunday, Dr Bawumia addressed recent comments from Asante Akim South MP Kwaku Asante Boateng, who described him as an outsider and questioned his suitability to lead the NPP as flagbearer.
Dr Bawumia said such attitudes risk weakening the party’s foundation and contradict the values on which it was built.
“Some of my opponents say I am an outsider who does not deserve to lead the party because of where I come from. This kind of thinking is dangerous and divisive. The NPP’s Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition brings together all major tribes across Ghana,” he said.
He reflected on his 17 years of service to the party and questioned how unity can be achieved if long-serving members are judged by their background.
“If Dr Bawumia, after 17 years of service, can be called a stranger, how will the party grow and attract new members from every region?” he asked.
Dr Bawumia urged delegates to focus on competence, integrity and vision rather than ethnic identity when choosing leaders. He emphasised that the NPP belongs to all Ghanaians, citing various ethnic groups to underscore the country’s diversity.
He concluded his address with a call for unity ahead of the January primaries, stating that a vote for him would send a clear message that leadership should be based on merit, not tribal affiliation.
