Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rise above tribalism, religious intolerance, and internal squabbles as the party begins its journey to regain political power in the 2028 general elections.
Addressing the party’s National Annual Delegates Conference at the University of Ghana, Legon, on Saturday, July 19, the former Vice-President emphasised the need for unity in diversity, discipline, and mutual respect.
He said the party’s strength has always stemmed from its broad-based coalition, recalling how the United Party (UP)—the precursor to the NPP—was born from a merger of various regional and ideological movements.
These included the National Liberation Movement (Ashanti Region), Northern People’s Party, Muslim Association Party, Anlo Youth Organisation (Volta Region), Ga Shifimokpee (Greater Accra), Togoland Congress, and the Federation of Youth Organisation.
“It has never mattered where you come from—whether Sefwi, Fante, Ewe, Ashanti, Ga-Dangbe, Krobo, Dagomba, Wala, Dagaati, Konkomba, Frafra or Mamprusi,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“It has not mattered what religion you practice—Christianity, Islam, or African traditional religion. It has not mattered whether you are rich or poor, educated or not.”
Rebuilding through inclusion and humility
Dr. Bawumia warned that tribalism and religious bigotry are existential threats to the NPP’s identity and progress.
He called on party members to renew their commitment to the founding principles of inclusion, tolerance, and service.
“Now more than ever, we must refresh these ideals and desist from any language, character, or actions that divide us. With unity and consistency, we can regain the trust of Ghanaians,” he stressed.
He cautioned that internal fights and indiscipline could cripple the party’s comeback, especially if they spill into the public domain during internal elections.
“In the end, when internal competitions are over, the attacks we would have launched on ourselves become ammunition which our opponents use to attack us. We experienced it in the 2024 campaign, and we should not let it happen again.”
Learning from the past, preparing for the future
Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the achievements of former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who led transformative agendas under NPP administrations.
President Kufuor is widely credited with transforming the economy, expanding infrastructure, and launching key social programs like the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), free maternal healthcare, and the School Feeding Programme.
He also lauded President Akufo-Addo for leading Ghana through a digital transformation, expanding road and health infrastructure, and introducing the Free SHS programme, which has given millions of Ghanaian children access to secondary education.
“We must remain resolute and consistent in doing the right things again and in applying the lessons the next time. We must ensure that Ghanaians genuinely see the lessons we have learnt and are willing to apply them. We shouldn’t be shy about them,” Dr. Bawumia advised.
Condemnation of violence and a call for justice
Touching on recent disturbances during polling station elections in Ablekuma North, Dr. Bawumia condemned the violence and called on President John Mahama and the ruling NDC to ensure accountability.
“I want to remind them that the elephant never forgets. No matter how long it takes, we will execute the perpetrators when we assume office in 2029.”
He urged the party’s rank and file to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, uphold party discipline, and be guided by what is best for Ghana. “What is in Ghana’s best interest will always be in the best interest of the NPP. We cannot ever go wrong with that. Let us showcase it more and more as we reflect and rebuild.”
Hope and resolve for 2028
Dr. Bawumia closed his remarks with a message of hope and unity, urging members to direct their energies toward exposing the failures of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) rather than tearing each other apart.
“I am fortified in my heart that as politicians, we should always be guided by what’s in the best interest of Ghana at all times. This represents the best example to Ghana’s children.”
He expressed confidence that the NPP, by holding firm to its core values and working as a united front, could overcome its current challenges and return to power in 2028.
