Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has condemned remarks by Asante Akim South MP Kwaku Asante Boateng, who recently described him as a “stranger” within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and questioned his suitability to lead the party as flagbearer.
Speaking to party members during a tour of the Oti Region on Sunday, Dr. Bawumia described such comments as divisive and inconsistent with the unifying principles of the NPP.
“Some of my opponents say I am an outsider and a stranger, who does not deserve to lead the party because of where I come from. This is dangerous, divisive, and contrary to the diversity of our unifying tradition,” he stated.
The MP’s remarks, which have drawn criticism from the NPP national secretariat, the Ashanti Regional Parliamentary Caucus, and other party groups, underscore growing tensions ahead of the party’s flagbearer selection.
Dr. Bawumia reminded members that the NPP has its roots in the United Party (UP), which historically united diverse ethnic and religious groups across Ghana. “Those who say this don’t understand our history. Our tradition is the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition, formed by all the main tribes across Ghana. This is the tradition of the NPP,” he noted.
Highlighting his long-standing contributions to the party—including four stints as a running mate, two terms as Vice President, and extensive involvement in campaigns, lectures, and Supreme Court proceedings—Dr. Bawumia stressed that personal commitment and service should matter more than ethnic origin when evaluating leadership.
“If Dr. Bawumia, after 17 years of service to the party, is described as an outsider and stranger, how do we grow the party to attract new members from all parts of Ghana?” he asked.
He called on party members to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace unity, stressing that capable members from any region should be able to lead. “It does not matter where you are—Dagomba, Ga, Dangbe, Sefwi, Ewe, Dagarti, Wala, Bono, Asante, Akyem, Kwahu, Mamprusi, Kusasi, Konkomba, Fante, Frafra, Guan, Gonja, Sisala, Kasena, Kotokoli, Bimoba, or Chakosi,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia’s remarks come as the NPP gears up for its flagbearer selection in 2026, ahead of the 2028 general elections, amid heightened internal contestations.
