As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its 2026 presidential primaries, former Vice President and 2024 NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, ha
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its 2026 presidential primaries, former Vice President and 2024 NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has responded to critics who have labelled him a “stranger” and an “outsider” within the party, calling such claims both inaccurate and divisive.
Speaking at a recent gathering of party supporters in the Oti region, Dr. Bawumia reflected on the decades-long history of the party, emphasizing the sacrifices and contributions made by many, including himself, for the growth and continuity of the NPP.
“Some people have lost their lives because of this party,” he noted. “I have also done a lot for this party. But sometimes you hear things that make you sad as an individual.”
The former Vice President directly confronted narratives promoted by some of his opponents, who have questioned his origins and commitment to the party, with some even alleging he was “brought in as a slave.”
Dr Bawumia described such claims as rooted in tribalism and ignorance of the party’s true history.
“We should be very, very careful about this. The people who say those things don’t know the history of our party,” he said.
Tracing the Historical Roots of the Party
Dr. Bawumia reminded party supporters that the NPP was born out of a coalition of multiple regional parties, united to form a single political movement that represented diverse constituencies across Ghana.
These included:
The Northern People’s Party (NPP) led by S.D. Dombo
The National Liberation Movement (NLM) with leaders like K.A. Busia and Baffour Akoto
The Muslim Association Party
The Togoland Congress, under S.G. Antor
The Anlo Youth Organization, led by Modesto Kwasi Apaloo
The Ga Shifimo Kpee, under Obetsebi-Lamptey
“This is why we call it a united party,” Bawumia said, highlighting that the party’s origins were intentionally multi-ethnic and multi-regional, designed to transcend tribal boundaries and unify Ghanaian politics under a shared democratic agenda.
Personal Connection to Party History
Dr Bawumia also underscored his family’s deep roots in the political movement, noting that his father, Mumuni Bawumia, served as Vice Chairman of the Northern People’s Party, directly under S.D. Dombo, the party’s chairman.
He stressed that this lineage situates him firmly within the party’s historical and ideological framework.
“Understanding the history of our party is crucial,” he said. “Those who try to paint me as an outsider are disregarding decades of political struggle and the unity that brought us together.”
Call for Unity Ahead of 2026 Primaries
The former Vice President concluded by urging NPP members to focus on collective progress rather than tribalism or personal attacks, stressing that a united party is essential for success in the upcoming 2026 primaries and the 2028 general elections.
“This is a party built on unity, sacrifice, and shared ideals. We must not let misinformation or divisive rhetoric weaken the foundation on which we stand,” Dr Bawumia said, appealing to delegates and grassroots members alike.
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