Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has condemned what he describes as a tribal and religious campaign targeted against his candidacy in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming presidential primary.
Addressing party members in New York on Saturday night, August 23, 2025, during the 33rd Anniversary celebration of NPP USA, Dr. Bawumia expressed disappointment over utterances from some of his contenders, describing them as “unfortunate” and “dangerous.”
He maintained that such comments represent only the views of a few individuals and not the true values of the NPP.
His concerns come in the wake of a viral video showing flag bearer aspirant, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, telling delegates that the NPP should change Dr. Bawumia as its presidential candidate because, as a Mamprusi, the party lost Kusasi votes in 2024 due to the Mamprusi-Kusasi conflict.
Referencing the video, Dr. Bawumia said it was “unfortunate” for any aspirant to introduce tribal politics into the party’s internal contest.
He also accused some opponents and their campaign teams of exploiting his religious background, including claims by former minister and ambassador, Asomah Cheremeh, who urged delegates not to support him because his wife, Samira Bawumia, was allegedly “not a true Ghanaian.”
The former Vice President questioned why these tribal and religious attacks are being launched against him now, noting that during crucial moments in the party’s history—such as the 2013 election petition, the 2016 and 2020 campaigns—his northern, Mamprusi and Muslim identity was never an issue.
He recounted how both he and his wife campaigned vigorously across the country to secure victories for the NPP, stressing that the recent narrative against them smacks of desperation.
Despite his disappointment, Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism that such tribal and religious sentiments would not derail his campaign. He described those behind the rhetoric as “tribal and religious bigots” whose mission would ultimately fail.
He emphasized that the NPP has historically been a party of inclusion, drawing support from Ghanaians of diverse ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds.
“Under our tent it has not mattered where you come from, what religion you practice, whether you are rich or poor, or whether you are formally educated or not,” he said, adding that the party will always triumph over division.
