The internal strife within Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has intensified with recent ethnically charged remarks made by Alhaji Osman Masawudu, also known as Chairman Buga Buga, the party’s Third National Vice Chairman. His derogatory comments targeted Hajia Abibata Shani Mahama, former CEO of MASLOC, and broadly denigrated the Asante people, a vital constituency of the NPP. During an NPP Thank You Tour event in the Northern Region, Chairman Buga Buga was recorded making disparaging remarks about Hajia Abibata’s demeanor, comparing her to an Asante woman and suggesting that her place was at home tending to her family rather than participating in political activities. This incident follows reports of prior altercations between the two, with Chairman Buga Buga allegedly verbally abusing Hajia Abibata in the presence of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presumptive presidential candidate, before being checked by Dominic Nitiwul.
The controversy surrounding Chairman Buga Buga’s statements goes beyond a personal attack on Hajia Abibata. His remarks have sparked widespread condemnation for their ethnically divisive nature, specifically targeting the Asante people, a significant voting bloc within the NPP. This incident adds another layer of complexity to the internal tensions within the party and raises concerns about the potential for further alienation of key demographics. The NPP, already grappling with internal divisions following a closely contested presidential primary, faces the risk of further fracturing its support base if decisive action is not taken to address these inflammatory comments.
The situation also places Dr. Bawumia in a difficult position. As the likely flagbearer for the party, his leadership is being tested by his response to this burgeoning crisis. Having reportedly witnessed the initial verbal assault on Hajia Abibata and failing to intervene directly, Dr. Bawumia faces criticism regarding his ability to decisively address internal conflict. His perceived inaction in this instance comes on the heels of allegations by his former aide, Rosemond Obeng, which question his firmness and decisiveness in critical situations. The pressure mounts on Dr. Bawumia to demonstrate strong leadership and unequivocally condemn Chairman Buga Buga’s divisive rhetoric, not only to manage the immediate fallout but also to reassure the Asante community of their importance to the NPP.
Failure to address this situation effectively could have far-reaching consequences for the NPP. The Asante people represent a significant portion of the party’s core support, and any perception of disregard for their sensitivities could lead to erosion of their loyalty. The NPP already faces a formidable challenge in the upcoming general elections, and a divided party could significantly hamper their efforts to regain power. Furthermore, the incident fuels the narrative of internal discord and struggles with leadership, potentially impacting the party’s credibility and electoral prospects.
The controversy underscores the broader challenge faced by political parties in managing internal dissent while maintaining a unified front. The NPP’s current internal struggles highlight the delicate balancing act required to address individual grievances while upholding the party’s overall image and values. In this case, the ethnically charged nature of the comments further complicates matters, raising concerns about the potential for exacerbating existing societal divisions.
Going forward, the NPP must prioritize swift and decisive action to address the damage caused by Chairman Buga Buga’s remarks. A clear and unequivocal condemnation of the divisive language is crucial, coupled with tangible steps to promote unity and reconciliation within the party. Dr. Bawumia, as the prospective leader, has a critical role to play in this process. His response will not only determine his ability to effectively lead the party but also shape the NPP’s trajectory heading into the crucial 2024 elections. He must demonstrate strong leadership, not only in condemning the offensive remarks but also in taking concrete steps to bridge the divides within the party and reassure all constituencies of their value and importance within the NPP. This incident serves as a critical test for the NPP, highlighting the need for strong leadership and a commitment to unity in the face of internal challenges.
