Ghanaians have harshly condemned Abetifi MP and NPP flagbearer aspirant Dr Bryan Acheampong‘s statements about former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, which many see as an unfortunate recourse to ethnic politics.
Dr. Acheampong, speaking to party supporters on 23 August, claimed that the NPP’s 2024 setback was largely due to “tribal dynamics” surrounding Dr. Bawumia’s campaign.
His comments have generated considerable condemnation, with critics saying that such sentiments endanger national unity.
The former Agriculture Minister argued that whereas former Presidents Kufuor and Akufo-Addo had overwhelming support in northern constituencies, Dr Bawumia’s candidature was hampered by long-standing feuds between Mamprusis and Kusasis.
He claimed that the tribal division led to the NPP’s defeats in the northern belt, which included Oti, Upper East, Upper West, and the Northern Region. Many Ghanaians, however, have condemned his statements as divisive and unneeded.
Civil society leaders and ordinary citizens have emphasised that blaming Bawumia’s electoral loss on tribal politics disrespects both the Vice President’s legacy and the maturity of Ghana’s democracy.
According to critics, Acheampong’s words risk exacerbating ethnic differences at a time when unity should be a top objective for a party trying to retake power in 2028.
Many have urged him to focus on policy-driven solutions and inclusive leadership.
Dr Bawumia, Ghana’s Vice President from 2017 to 2025, is well-known for his contributions to the country’s digital transformation and economic management.
His supporters say that the 2024 election result was influenced by a complex combination of political, economic, and governance variables, not only ethnic reasons.
The avalanche of condemnation directed at Acheampong demonstrates Ghanaians’ rejection of identity-based politics in favour of issue-driven national discourse.