By Daniel Bampoe
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has swiftly moved to dissociate itself from what it describes as “unfortunate” and “divisive” remarks made by the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim South, Kwaku Asante Boateng, against the former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In a statement issued by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on November 1, 2025, the NPP reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, equality, and national unity, stressing that the party’s principles are rooted in freedom, justice, and equal opportunity for all Ghanaians.
The Controversial Remarks
The MP, Kwaku Asante Boateng sparked nationwide outrage after a video of his comments went viral on social media and was aired by Joy News.
Speaking during a local gathering in his constituency, the MP allegedly described Vice President Bawumia as “an outsider” and “a slave who was brought in to serve us,” adding that the former Vice President “is not fit to occupy the main seat as our leader.”
The remarks, made on October 31, 2025, have been widely condemned by both members of the ruling party and the general public as ethnically insensitive and contrary to the unity the NPP has long projected.
NPP’s Swift Response
Reacting to the incident, the NPP Secretariat released a strongly worded statement emphasizing that such divisive comments do not represent the position or values of the party.
“The National Secretariat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has noted with concern certain comments attributed to the Honourable Member of Parliament for Asante Akim South, Kwaku Asante Boateng, and considers such a statement unfortunate and disassociates itself from those remarks,” the statement said.
Mr. Kodua Frimpong reiterated that the NPP’s foundation is built on inclusivity, democracy, and respect for diversity, values that have guided the party since its formation.
“Political membership and recognition within the NPP are not defined by personal attributes or identity, but by one’s loyalty, commitment, and service to the Party’s ideals and the national interest,” the General Secretary added.
Party’s Ideological Roots
The NPP, founded in 1992 as the political successor of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition, has always championed the principles of liberal democracy, freedom, and equal opportunity.
The party’s slogan — “Development in Freedom” — embodies its belief that Ghana’s progress must be built on unity and inclusiveness, not tribal or ethnic divisions.
Dr. Bawumia, the first Muslim and first Northerner to rise to the position of Vice President under the NPP, has been a symbol of this inclusivity, helping the party expand its support base beyond its traditional strongholds.
Growing Tensions Ahead of 2026 Elections
The controversy comes at a sensitive time as the NPP prepares for a high-stakes internal primary which Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia, who has emerged as a leading figure within the party, has faced occasional resistance from some factions perceived to be skeptical of his leadership bid.
However, the party leadership’s latest statement signals a clear stance against ethnocentric politics and a reaffirmation of unity as a cornerstone of its campaign heading into the elections.
A Call for Tolerance and Respect
Concluding its statement, the NPP assured Ghanaians that it remains a party of unity and progress, committed to promoting tolerance and respect among its members and the wider citizenry.
“The NPP assures the Ghanaian people that it will continue to uphold the dignity of every citizen and to promote a political culture anchored in tolerance, respect, and inclusiveness,” the statement concluded.
While the party has not indicated whether disciplinary action will be taken against the Asante Akim South MP, pressure is mounting from within the NPP’s rank and file for leadership to take firm steps to preserve the party’s image of national unity.
