Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to set aside tribal and religious biases as it prepares to elect a new flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
Addressing party members at the launch of the Patriotic Institute, the NPP’s newly established think tank, on Wednesday, 25 June, Mr. Kufuor reminded the party to stay grounded in its democratic values and to prioritize selecting a leader capable of addressing the real issues facing Ghanaians.
His advice comes amid growing internal competition and personal attacks among party hopefuls, following the announcement that the NPP will elect its next flagbearer on 31 January 2026.
“We are a democratic party that believes in common humanity,” Mr. Kufuor said. “Leadership in a democracy is not about tribe, religion, or gender. It is about the individual. If we truly want power, we need to present someone who can convince the majority of the people.”
He expressed concern that if party members continue to push tribal and religious narratives, they risk damaging the NPP’s image and giving its opponents more ammunition.
“Our political opponents have always branded us as a tribal party. Now, we are even adding religion to the mix. If these ideas are coming from within our party, then we are the ones feeding the stereotype,” he cautioned.
The former President urged the NPP to “face the truth” and focus on finding a candidate who can unite the country and bring solutions that benefit all Ghanaians, regardless of background.
“Let’s choose a leader who will help solve national problems in a way that impacts the entire society,” he emphasized.
Mr. Kufuor’s call is a timely reminder for the NPP to rise above divisions and focus on what truly matters to the people competent leadership and national development.
