Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice-President and NPP flagbearer, recently reaffirmed his party’s commitment to inclusion. At a gathering of Constituency Chairmen Caucus in Kumasi, he stressed that NPP must resist tribal and religious appeals used for political advantage. “We are a united party encompassing people from all ethnic groups, all religions … we must not allow those seeking political gain to divide us.”
Why This Matters
- Internal unity: Bawumia addressed growing concerns over divisive lines surfacing within NPP’s presidential primary environment. He emphasized that reliance on ethnicity or religion is not only wrong but potentially dangerous for party cohesion.
- Democratic integrity: Without internal unity, a political party cannot function effectively as opposition or governance in Ghana’s diverse landscape. He urged members to put ideology and party principles above personal gain.
Key Messages from Bawumia
- Unity above all: Bawumia reminded members: “We in the NPP are a national party… don’t let politics of tribe and religion divide us.”
- He rejected the notion that NPP is tribalistic, pointing to the party’s history and leadership across all regions, religions, and ethnicities since its founding formation.
- Bawumia embraced inclusive leadership, openly inviting all diverse groups—especially those who doubted the party’s inclusivity—to join his “journey of possibilities.”
Broader Context of His Philosophy
- Bawumia has consistently promoted broad-based inclusive development, where no region, religion, gender, or socioeconomic group is left behind. His governance philosophy includes programs like Free SHS, rural infrastructure, and digitization efforts to reach marginalized communities.
- In 2024 primaries, he urged aspirants to avoid petty differences and instead unite for the common good and electoral success. He stressed party principles such as fairness, peace, and democratic culture.
What Happens Next
- Internal cohesion push: NPP’s leadership and grassroots structures are being encouraged to reject divisive messaging tied to ethnicity or religion.
- Reinforcing party ideals: Campaign strategy will be rooted in inclusive public messaging and avoiding divisive narratives.
- Broad outreach: NPP plans to intensify engagement with diverse demographic groups to rebuild trust and demonstrate unity across Ghana.
For Bawumia, NPP’s strength lies in its diversity and unity—not tribal or religious advantage. By advocating ideological cohesion and rejecting identity-based division, he aims to position the party as inclusive, democratic, and prepared for leadership in a multi-ethnic Ghana. This message reinforces his broader governance vision centered on inclusive development, shared prosperity, and national unity.