Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has sharply rebuked comments made by the Asante Akim South Member of Parliament (MP), Kwaku Asante-Boateng, describing them as tribal, divisive, and a direct assault on the founding principles of the NPP.Dr. Bawumia, who broke his silence during a campaign tour of the Oti Region on Sunday, November 9, 2025, said the remarks made by the MP — which implied that certain people were “outsiders” and descendants of “slaves” who should not aspire to leadership positions within the party — were reckless and contrary to the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition that built the NPP.

“Those who say this don’t understand the history of our tradition,” Dr. Bawumia told party faithful. “They don’t know that our tradition brought different ethnic groups together to form the United Party, from which the NPP draws its roots.”

The Controversial Comment And Party Backlash

Kwaku Asante-Boateng, who represents Asante Akim South in the Ashanti Region, came under intense criticism after he reportedly stated that Ashantis historically ‘used slaves for war’ and that descendants of such people had no right to lead the NPP.

His comments were first condemned by the Ashanti Regional Caucus of the NPP, which described them as “deeply offensive, divisive, and alien to the values of equality and respect” that the party upholds.

The NPP National Secretariat also distanced itself from the MP’s remarks, reaffirming that the NPP is built on merit, loyalty, and service — not tribal or ancestral lineage.

The party’s Ashanti Regional Caucus, led by Member of Parliament for Old Tafo and secretary to the group, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, issued a strong statement emphasizing that the NPP, as the bedrock of Ghana’s democracy, “rejects any attempt to use history, tribe, or identity to divide its ranks.”

Bawumia’s Response

In his response, Dr. Bawumia reminded members of the NPP that the party’s heritage — the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition — was founded on diversity, unity, and inclusion.
He stressed that the United Party (UP), which eventually evolved into the NPP, was a coalition of political movements representing ethnic and religious groups from all corners of Ghana.

“Our tradition is the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition — and it was formed by all the main tribes across Ghana,” he said. “This is the true tradition of the NPP.”

Dr. Bawumia condemned the tribal rhetoric that has occasionally surfaced within internal NPP politics, particularly targeting his northern roots.

“Today, some of my opponents say I am an outsider and stranger who does not deserve to lead the party because of where I come from. This is dangerous, divisive, and contrary to the unifying diversity of our tradition,” he said.

A Record of Service And Sacrifice

The former Vice President outlined his 17-year journey of loyalty and sacrifice within the NPP, recalling his roles as a running mate for four consecutive elections, a star witness in the 2012 election petition at the Supreme Court, and later as Vice President for two terms under President Nana Akufo-Addo.

“I have served this party in campaigns, lectures, and even risked my life when I suffered a serious accident while on duty. I’ve lost major career opportunities because of my commitment to the NPP,” he recounted.
“So, if after all this, someone says I am an outsider, then what message are we sending to new members who wish to join our great party?”

Rejecting Tribal Politics And Embracing Diversity

Dr. Bawumia urged the NPP to rise above tribal politics and focus on what unites the party rather than divides it. He warned that ethnocentric statements could derail the party’s future and alienate potential supporters across the country.

“We don’t need this in our party. We don’t need this in Ghana,” he declared. “What we need is unity and respect for all members, regardless of where they come from.”

He further encouraged delegates to vote for him as a demonstration that the NPP belongs to all Ghanaians, regardless of ethnic background.

“It does not matter whether you are Dagomba, Ga, Dangme, Sefwi, Ewe, Dagarti, Wala, Bono, Asante, Akyem, Kwahu, Mamprusi, Kusasi, Konkomba, Fante, Frafra, Guan, Gonja, Sisala, Kasena, Kotokoli, Bimoba, or Chakosi — you can lead the NPP if you are capable,” he stated to thunderous applause.