By Alex Ababio
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President of Ghana, has sharply criticized the growing tribal and religious attacks against him within his own party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a passionate speech delivered in New York during the 33rd anniversary celebration of NPP USA, Dr. Bawumia expressed his dismay over what he called “unfortunate” smear campaigns launched by his internal rivals.
The Vice President’s remarks come in the wake of a viral video showing NPP flagbearer aspirant Bryan Acheampong, who urged delegates to reject Bawumia as a presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. Acheampong suggested that the NPP had lost votes in the 2024 elections due to Bawumia’s Mamprusi ethnicity, claiming that the Kusasi people, who are in conflict with the Mamprusi, refused to support the party because of Bawumia’s background.
Dr. Bawumia, visibly disappointed, condemned Acheampong’s comments as “tribal bigotry” and distanced himself from the divisive remarks. He also pointed out that similar religious and tribal-based attacks had been leveled against him by other opponents within the NPP. “An opponent has said delegates should not vote for me because I am Mamprusi and that we will lose votes in the Kusasi areas. This is so unfortunate,” Bawumia stated.
The former Vice President also referenced recent controversial remarks by Kwaku Asomah Cheremeh, a former Minister and campaign coordinator for Kennedy Agyapong. Cheremeh had alleged that Dr. Bawumia’s wife, Samira, was not a “true Ghanaian,” further intensifying the attacks. “How can we campaign to minorities in a general election if such sentiments are being spread?” Bawumia questioned.
Reflecting on these comments, Bawumia expressed frustration over what he sees as the increasing desperation of some internal party opponents. He reminded his audience that when he was defending the NPP in the Supreme Court in 2013 or campaigning for the party’s victory in 2016, his ethnicity or religion were never questioned. “When I was campaigning in the North in 2020, they did not say I was a Mamprusi, a Northerner, or a Muslim. What has changed?” he asked.
Despite the personal attacks, Dr. Bawumia remained optimistic, asserting that such divisive tactics would ultimately fail. “The NPP will always triumph over tribal and religious bigots,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to unity and diversity within the party. He emphasized that the party has long been a symbol of hope for Ghanaians of all backgrounds and beliefs, from different ethnic groups and religions. “It has not mattered where you come from, whether you are a Christian, Muslim, or practice traditional African religion. It has not mattered whether you are rich or poor, educated or not,” he concluded.