Dr Bawumia Condemns ‘Stranger’ Label in NPP: Push for Team Spirit, Diversity, and Unity in Ghana Politics

Discover how former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is championing unity against tribalism in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), highlighting the importance of diversity and team spirit for Ghana’s political future.

Introduction

In a powerful address during his tour of Ghana’s Oti Region, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and leading NPP flagbearer contender, condemned divisive remarks labeling him a “stranger” within the New Patriotic Party. Made by Asante Akim South MP Kwaku Asante Boateng, these comments questioned Bawumia’s suitability to lead the party based on his ethnic origins. Bawumia urged NPP members to foster team spirit and diversity in line with the party’s founding principles, emphasizing that merit and dedication should trump tribal affiliations.

This incident underscores ongoing tensions in Ghana politics ahead of the NPP’s flagbearer selection in 2026, setting the stage for the 2028 general elections. By invoking the NPP’s historical roots in the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition, Bawumia reminded supporters of the party’s commitment to inclusivity across ethnic lines—a key factor in building a broad-based movement.

Why This Matters for Ghana Voters

Ghana’s multi-ethnic society, with over 70 ethnic groups including Akan, Ewe, Ga-Adangbe, Mole-Dagbani, and Guan, demands political parties prioritize unity. Bawumia’s stance against tribalism in NPP politics serves as a pedagogical lesson on how leaders can promote national cohesion.

Analysis

The “stranger” label from MP Kwaku Asante Boateng emerged in recent years, sparking widespread criticism from the NPP national secretariat, the Ashanti Regional Parliamentary Caucus, and various party factions. Bawumia addressed this directly to party delegates in Oti Region on November 10, 2024 (noting the publication date aligns with ongoing 2025 coverage), calling it “bad, divisive, and reverse to the variety of our unifying tradition.”

Context of the Remarks

Boateng’s statements puzzled Bawumia’s legitimacy as flagbearer, implying his non-Ashanti background—Bawumia hails from the Dagbon area in the Northern Region—disqualifies him. This reflects internal NPP contestations as aspirants position for primaries. Bawumia countered by listing his 17 years of service: four times as running mate, two terms as Vice President (2017-2025), and active roles in campaigns, lectures, and Supreme Court defenses of election results.

NPP’s Historical Foundation

To educate on NPP heritage, Bawumia traced roots to the United Party (UP) tradition, which united diverse ethnic leaders like J.B. Danquah (Akyem subgroup of Akan), R.S. Dombo (Dagaaba from Upper West), and K.A. Busia (from Wenchi in Bono Region). This Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition symbolizes the NPP’s ethos of inclusivity, drawing from major tribes across Ghana: Asante, Akyem, Fante, Dagomba, Ewe, Ga, and more. Ignoring this history, Bawumia argued, undermines party growth.

Pedagogically, this analysis reveals how ethnic diversity strengthens political parties in federations like Ghana, where the 1992 Constitution promotes multiparty democracy without ethnic barriers (Article 55).

Summary

Dr Bawumia publicly rejected the “stranger” label during his Oti Region tour, criticizing it as antithetical to NPP’s unifying legacy. He highlighted his extensive contributions and called for rejecting tribal bigotry, affirming that any competent member from tribes like Dagomba, Ga, Ewe, Asante, or Fante can lead. This appeal promotes team spirit and diversity in NPP, amid preparations for 2026 primaries and 2028 elections.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For NPP members, voters, and aspiring leaders in Ghana politics, Bawumia’s message offers actionable steps to build inclusive parties.

Building Team Spirit in Political Parties

1. Prioritize Merit Over Ethnicity: Evaluate candidates on records like Bawumia’s—campaign involvement and governance achievements—verifiable via NPP records and public archives.

2. Educate on Party History: Host workshops on Danquah-Dombo-Busia traditions to instill unity, using resources from NPP’s official website.

3. Promote Diversity in Campaigns: Recruit from all regions; Bawumia’s Oti tour exemplifies grassroots engagement across Volta-East areas.

Advice for Voters

Support leaders who advocate ethnic diversity in Ghana politics. Research candidates’ service histories through Electoral Commission data and party manifestos to avoid tribal biases.

Points of Caution

Divisive rhetoric like the “stranger” label poses risks to Ghana’s democracy.

Dangers of Tribalism in Politics

1. Party Fragmentation: As Bawumia noted, alienating long-serving members hinders attracting new ones from diverse regions.

2. National Division: Ghana’s history, including the 1992-2000 transitions, shows tribalism erodes voter trust; 2020 elections saw ethnic voting patterns per Afrobarometer surveys.

3. Electoral Losses: NPP risks losing floating voters if internal rifts persist, as seen in past primaries.

Candidates should self-censor ethnic jabs, focusing on policy debates verifiable by facts.

Comparison

Bawumia’s unity push contrasts with rival National Democratic Congress (NDC) dynamics and NPP’s past.

NPP vs. NDC on Diversity

NPP’s Danquah-Dombo-Busia explicitly unites ethnic leaders, while NDC emphasizes Nkrumahist pan-Africanism but faces Akan-centric critiques. Bawumia’s non-Akan candidacy tests NPP inclusivity more rigorously.

Historical Parallels in NPP

Similar to 2008 primaries where Nana Akufo-Addo (Akyem) prevailed over Alan Kyerematen (Akyem/Kwahu), Bawumia’s challenge echoes inter-Ashanti debates but highlights Northern representation—a first for NPP presidency aspirations.

In 2016-2024, Bawumia’s VP role bridged ethnic gaps, aiding Akufo-Addo’s wins; current tensions mirror pre-2016 unity appeals.

Legal Implications

No direct legal violations occurred, as Boateng’s comments fall under political speech protected by Ghana’s 1992 Constitution (Article 21: freedom of speech). However, if escalated to hate speech under the Criminal Offences Act (1960), Section 208A prohibits statements likely to stir ethnic hatred—though Bawumia’s response de-escalated via party channels.

NPP’s internal disciplinary code, per its constitution, allows sanctions for divisive conduct, as seen in past secretariat rebukes. Voters should note Electoral Commission guidelines against ethnic campaigning in elections.

Conclusion

Dr Bawumia’s condemnation of the “stranger” label reinforces the NPP’s core as a big tent party rooted in diversity and team spirit. By rejecting tribalism and celebrating contributions from all ethnicities, he models leadership for Ghana’s 2028 elections. This pedagogical moment teaches that true political strength lies in unity, urging NPP delegates to choose inclusively in 2026 primaries. As Ghana navigates multiparty democracy, Bawumia’s vision aligns with national development goals, fostering a cohesive future.

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