Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana and a contender in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership race, has launched a strong rebuke against what he characterizes as divisive tactics employed by some of his rivals. Speaking at the NPP’s 33rd-anniversary celebration in New York, Dr. Bawumia condemned the use of tribal and religious propaganda in the campaign, arguing that such strategies not only undermine the party’s unity but also risk portraying it as intolerant. He specifically addressed allegations suggesting that the NPP’s loss in the 2024 elections was attributable to his northern and Muslim background, dismissing these claims as baseless and born out of desperation. Dr. Bawumia stressed that resorting to such divisive rhetoric indicates a lack of substantive policy proposals and a shallow understanding of the electorate’s concerns.
Central to Dr. Bawumia’s argument was the assertion that the focus on his identity is a diversionary tactic employed by those who lack a compelling vision for the party and the country. He argued that the electorate is far more concerned with tangible issues like economic performance, infrastructure development, and social progress than with the religious or ethnic background of a candidate. He emphasized that a healthy political discourse should revolve around ideas, track records, and demonstrable integrity, not superficial characteristics. By resorting to identity politics, Dr. Bawumia argued, his opponents are not only insulting the intelligence of the voters but also damaging the NPP’s reputation as a party that embraces diversity and inclusivity.
To further dismantle the narrative linking his identity to the NPP’s electoral defeat, Dr. Bawumia referenced a report compiled by Professor Mike Oquaye, which investigated the factors contributing to the party’s loss in the 2024 elections. According to Dr. Bawumia, the report unequivocally demonstrated that neither religion nor ethnicity played a significant role in influencing voter behavior. Instead, the overwhelming majority of respondents cited dissatisfaction with the government’s performance as the primary reason for their voting decisions. This, he argued, underscores the importance of focusing on policy and performance rather than engaging in divisive identity politics.
Reinforcing his argument with empirical evidence, Dr. Bawumia highlighted his strong performance in the 2024 presidential election, pointing out that his vote tally surpassed that of several Christian parliamentary candidates in traditional NPP strongholds. This, he contended, effectively debunks the notion that his religious affiliation hindered his electoral appeal. He emphasized that voters are discerning and capable of evaluating candidates based on their merits, irrespective of their religious or ethnic background. By presenting this data, Dr. Bawumia aimed to demonstrate that the narrative surrounding his identity is a manufactured controversy designed to distract from the real issues at hand.
Addressing another point of contention, Dr. Bawumia dismissed the argument that the long-standing Mamprusi-Kusasi conflict in Bawku negatively impacted the NPP’s electoral prospects. He pointed to decades of election data to demonstrate that the conflict has not historically been a determining factor in election outcomes. He insisted that attributing the NPP’s 2024 loss to the Bawku conflict is a simplistic and misleading interpretation of the complex political landscape. By providing historical context, Dr. Bawumia aimed to debunk yet another attempt to scapegoat him and shift the focus away from the government’s performance.
In a direct challenge to his competitors, Dr. Bawumia urged them to elevate the level of political discourse and engage in a substantive debate about their respective visions for the party and the country. He called on them to present their ideas, track records, and integrity for public scrutiny, emphasizing that these are the criteria upon which voters should make their decisions. He reiterated that the NPP’s political philosophy is rooted in inclusivity and meritocracy, not in divisive identity politics. He concluded by emphasizing that resorting to tribal or religious arguments is not only detrimental to the party’s image but also a disservice to the Ghanaian people who deserve a political discourse focused on real issues and solutions.
