Former Vice-President and 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on party members to avoid attacking each other in the media, warning that such internal conflicts only weaken the party and give ammunition to political opponents.
Speaking during the NPP’s national Thank You Tour in the Savannah and Upper West Regions, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that unity, mutual respect, and optimism were essential as the party reorganizes after its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Internal divisions hurt the party
Addressing party stakeholders in the Savannah Region, Dr. Bawumia expressed concern about the harm caused by public criticisms among party members during the last campaign season.
“Some of the deadliest weapons against the NPP are the utterances of our own members,” he said.
“These statements were used by our opponents to sponsor media adverts that undermined our campaign, ” he added.
He cautioned that if the party was to regain its strength and public trust, it must end such practices.
“If we are to stay stronger as a party, such conduct must stop.” “It does not help the unity and strength of our party,” he said.
Hope for a comeback in 2028
In the Upper West Region, Dr. Bawumia struck a more optimistic tone, urging party faithful to keep hope alive as the NPP works toward a comeback in the 2028 elections.
“History is on our side to reorganize and stage a comeback. We have done it before, and by the grace of God, we shall do it again,” he said, drawing parallels to past electoral setbacks and comebacks by Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo.
He recalled how President Kufuor lost in 1996 with 39% of the vote but won in 2000, and how President Akufo-Addo rebounded from defeat in 2008 to a resounding victory in 2016.
Lessons from 2024 defeat
Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the challenges of the 2024 election and said the party had already begun learning from its mistakes. He cited the report and recommendations from the Prof. Mike Oquaye Committee, which was tasked with reviewing the causes of the party’s loss.
“So many issues have been raised and recommendations made,” he said. “We all have to come on board and correct our mistakes. We have learnt our lessons and we shall do better when we get the opportunity again.”
Unity is the way forward
Reiterating his call for internal harmony, Dr. Bawumia said unity should be at the heart of the party’s reorganization efforts.
“Unity is key in everything we are doing. It is very important to prioritize the unity of our party by coming together as a family,” he said.
“Let’s treat each other with respect, avoid media attacks, and build a stronger front,” he added.
He concluded by emphasizing that the path to victory in 2028 begins with unity, discipline, and forward thinking, encouraging party members to stay hopeful and committed.
The NPP’s national Thank You Tour continues in other parts of northern Ghana as the party engages its base and charts a course for renewal.
