John Agyekum Kufuor, former President of Ghana, has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritize competence over identity politics as they prepare to choose their flagbearer for the 2028 elections.
He urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritize competence over tribal or religious sentiments as it prepares to select its flagbearer for the 2028 elections. Speaking on Wednesday, June 25, at the launch of the party’s new policy think tank, the Patriotic Institute, Kufuor warned against letting identity politics influence the leadership debate. His comments followed the party’s recent announcement that it will hold its presidential candidate selection on January 31, 2026—a decision that has already sparked early competition and reportedly some personal attacks among aspirants. Addressing these developments, Kufuor reminded party members of the core values that uphold democracy.
“We are a democratic party and we uphold common humanity. In a democracy, we don’t choose based on tribe, religion, or gender, but on the individual,” he said.
Mr. Kufuor emphasized the need to choose a candidate who can connect with the wider Ghanaian electorate and provide effective solutions to the country’s challenges.
“It is one man, one vote, and if we want power, we must present a candidate who will appeal to the majority of the electorate,” he stated.
“We need to ask ourselves: will this person help solve the broader problems of the community so that benefits reach everyone?”
He warned that engaging in identity-based rhetoric, especially from within the party, only strengthens negative stereotypes used by political opponents.
“The way we’ve been labeled a tribal party — and now religion is being added — if these divisions come from our own members, then we are the ones fueling them,” Kufuor cautioned.
He called on party members to unite around merit and vision instead of division and prejudice, saying, “What we should be doing is finding a way out of the hole, not digging it deeper.”
#UnityOverDivision #ChooseCompetence #NPP2028 #KufuorMessage
