BY Daniel Bampoe
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has appealed for calm, unity, and maturity within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), insisting that the party’s ongoing presidential race should not be reduced to hostility or internal conflict, but rather seen as a collective effort to rebuild and reposition the party for national leadership.
In his 2026 New Year message to party members and the Ghanaian public, Dr. Bawumia addressed growing tensions surrounding the January 31, 2026, NPP presidential primary, stressing that the contest must not degenerate into a “bloodbath.”
Instead, he urged party members to approach the process with a sense of purpose, discipline, and shared responsibility for the future of the party.
The former Vice President acknowledged that the past year had been a difficult one for many Ghanaians, noting that economic pressures, unemployment, and rising living costs have weighed heavily on households across the country.
He said these realities should serve as a reminder to political leaders that leadership is about service, sacrifice, and empathy, not personal ambition.
Reflecting on the political transition following the 2024 general elections, Dr. Bawumia congratulated President John Dramani Mahama on his first year in office and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the long-standing democratic credentials.
He noted that the reputation as a beacon of stability in a turbulent region must never be taken for granted, warning that signs of institutional strain and growing public anxiety should not be ignored.
He expressed concern about what he described as weakening confidence in key state institutions, pointing out that democracy thrives only when institutions remain independent, credible, and protected from political interference.
According to him, any attempt to undermine these foundations risks eroding public trust and threatening national cohesion.
Turning his attention to the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Bawumia described the current period as a defining chapter in the party’s history.
He reminded party members that the NPP was founded on principles of freedom, rule of law, and equal opportunity, values that must guide its internal processes and leadership choices.
He cautioned against personal attacks, factionalism, and divisive rhetoric, stressing that such conduct only weakens the party and hands advantage to political opponents.
The former Vice President stressed that leadership contests should be built on ideas, vision, and competence, not bitterness or character assassination.
Dr. Bawumia further highlighted recent constitutional reforms within the NPP, including the expansion of the party’s electoral college, describing them as deliberate efforts to deepen internal democracy and give more members a voice in choosing the party’s flagbearer.
He urged delegates to exercise this responsibility with wisdom and a sense of national duty.
Looking ahead to the January 31 flagbearer election, he appealed to party members to remain focused on the larger goal of reclaiming political power in 2028.
He emphasized that unity, discipline, and shared purpose would be essential if the party is to regain the trust of Ghanaians and present itself as a credible alternative government.
In closing, Dr. Bawumia called on members of the NPP to rise above internal divisions and work collectively toward rebuilding the party.
He stressed that the future of the party—and indeed the nation—depends on the choices made today, urging all members to embrace unity, uphold democratic values, and work together to restore confidence in the party’s leadership and vision for Ghana.
