Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called on members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to deepen their bonds of unity and draw strength from the party’s historic tradition of diversity as it undergoes restructuring.
Speaking at the party’s National Annual Delegates Conference held in Accra on Saturday, Dr Bawumia said the future of the NPP would depend on the extent to which its members could remain united and inclusive. His speech comes as the party reflects on its recent electoral defeat and considers major constitutional reforms aimed at rejuvenation.
“The task ahead of us is one that we have to conduct with diligence and measure,” Dr Bawumia told delegates.
“In times like this, we should be focused on strengthening our bonds of unity and reinvesting in the ties that bind us. Our foundation and our strength has always been in building a united party,” he added.
He noted that the NPP has consistently been the political force with the “broadest coalition of citizens,” one that has welcomed Ghanaians from all walks of life and across ethnic and religious lines.
“We have been the party that has over the years offered hope to the largest diversity of our peoples. Under our tent it has not mattered where you come from—whether you are a Sefwi, Fante, Ewe, Ashanti, Ga-Dangbe, Krobo, Dagomba, Wala, Dagaati, Konkomba, Frafra or Mamprusi. It has not mattered what religion you practice—whether you are a Christian, Muslim or a traditional African religious practitioner. It has not mattered whether you are rich or poor or whether you are formally educated or not,” Dr Bawumia emphasised.
He traced the NPP’s historical roots to the formation of the United Party (UP), which itself was the product of a merger of political forces from across the country. Among those he mentioned were the National Liberation Movement (NLM), Northern People’s Party (NPP), Muslim Association Party (MAP), Anlo Youth Organisation (AYO), Ga Shifimokpee, Togoland Congress and the Federation of Youth Organisation.
Dr Bawumia warned that internal strife, tribalism, and religious bigotry were dangerous forces that threatened the party’s existence and national unity.
“It is clear therefore that the bonds of unity in diversity has been our lifeblood and our foundation. Now more than ever we must refresh them and desist from any language, character or actions that divide us,” he cautioned.
“With unity and consistency we can regain the trust of Ghanaians. If we are fractured and at each other’s throats, none of us can cross over and lead us to fulfil this party’s purpose. Tribalism and religious bigotry pose an existential threat and should have no place in the New Patriotic Party,” he concluded.
The conference, which has brought together over 5,000 delegates, is expected to consider significant constitutional amendments, including proposals to abolish the Special Electoral College and expand the base for electing the party’s presidential candidate.