Kufuor Warns NPP: Don’t Perpetuate Tribal Label with Divisive Politics
Kufuor Condemns Tribal and Religious Bigotry in NPP, Urges Focus on Competence for 2028 Elections
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has strongly condemned the rising tide of tribal and religious bigotry within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as internal campaigns for the party’s 2028 flagbearer begin to heat up. He warned that such divisive rhetoric threatens the unity and democratic values of the party, and undermines its image as a truly national political force.
Speaking at the launch of the NPP’s ideological arm, the Patriotic Institute, in Accra, President Kufuor voiced concern about tribal and religious undertones in political discourse among some party members. He noted that these sentiments lend weight to the long-standing accusation that the NPP is a “tribal party,” a label the party has consistently tried to shed.
“We are democratic and we uphold common humanity,” Kufuor emphasized, receiving resounding applause from the audience. “Democracy doesn’t prioritize tribe, religion, or gender. It is about the individual. One man, one vote. If we truly want power, we must present a candidate who resonates with the broader electorate.”
He stressed the importance of choosing leaders based on their ability to solve national problems and bring inclusive development. “The question we must ask is: Can the person we are presenting help solve problems for the entire community so that the benefits are felt across the country?” he added.
Kufuor warned that by allowing tribal or religious bias to dominate internal conversations, the NPP risks reinforcing negative stereotypes about the party. “When such utterances come from our own members, we only help our opponents who have long accused us of being tribal or religiously biased,” he cautioned.
He urged party members to speak the truth and steer the party back to its core democratic principles. “We must stop perpetuating this and get out of the rat hole. Our focus should be on unity, truth, and competence—not identity politics,” he stated.
As the NPP prepares for the 2028 general elections, Kufuor’s remarks serve as a critical reminder to build an inclusive, merit-based political environment that reflects the true democratic values the party espouses. His call is seen as a timely intervention to preserve party cohesion and restore public trust.
