By: Baba Mohammed Issahaq ]
Award-winning investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has cautioned members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to desist from engaging in tribal and divisive politics as the party prepares for future elections.
In an article published on his official Facebook page, Mr Manesseh Awuni described recent tribal remarks directed at former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as “extreme, unfortunate, and politically suicidal.”
His reaction follows comments made by the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim South, Kwaku Asante Boateng, who reportedly described Dr Bawumia as an “outsider” in the NPP and therefore unfit to lead the party.
“When there is a vacant seat in the family to be filled, you don’t give it to an outsider who was brought into the family to serve,” the MP was quoted as saying during an interview on Adom FM.
Mr Manasseh Awuni said such remarks reflect a dangerous mindset that portrays the NPP as an ethnic rather than a national political party. He noted that Dr Bawumia’s long service to the party, both as running mate and as Vice President, proves his loyalty and commitment.
Citing the example of former NPP National Chairman Freddie Blay, who joined the party from the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and rose through the ranks to lead it, Mr Awuni questioned why Dr Bawumia, a longstanding member and key figure in the NPP’s victories, should now be treated as an outsider.
“Dr Bawumia worked tirelessly in 2016 and took all the political bullets for the party. Those efforts helped secure victory and brought many into positions of privilege. It is therefore unfair to question his place today,” he argued.
Mr Manasseh Awuni also warned that tribal and religious attacks within the NPP could alienate many voters, especially in northern Ghana, and weaken the party’s appeal ahead of the 2028 elections.
“If you denigrate non-Akans to win an internal contest, how will you appeal to other ethnic groups in a national election?” he questioned.
He urged the party to assess Dr Bawumia and all aspiring leaders based on their competence, integrity, and track record, rather than their ethnic or religious background.
“Anything short of this,” Mr Awuni cautioned, “would not only be an attack on Dr Bawumia but on every Ghanaian who does not belong to the dominant ethnic group whose hegemony some seek to perpetuate.”
Mr Manasseh Awuni concluded with a stern warning to the NPP that such divisive rhetoric could harm the party’s unity and future electoral fortunes.
“It’s divisive. It’s dangerous. It’s politically suicidal,” he emphasised.
