Dr. Mahamudu Bawumi
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has charged the rank and file of the party as part of its ‘rebuilding’ agenda to foster unity among themselves in order to wrestle power from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2028.
According to the former Vice President, internal elections among members of the party over the years have often been characterised by the use of unsavoury language against each other.
The unsavoury language used by some members of the party during internal elections, he stated, has often been used as ‘ammunition’ by the NDC to attack them during general elections.
Dr. Bawumia therefore called on the members of the party to desist from attacking each other and rather focus on attempt by the government to undermine the country’s democracy, citing the suspension of the Chief Justice by President John Mahama.
“If we are united and disciplined, and work hard, we will win the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.
“If we are fractured and at each other’s throats, none of us can cross over and lead us to fulfil this party’s purpose.
“We should be focused on strengthening our bonds of unity and reinvesting in the ties that bind us. Our foundation and our strength has always been in building a united party,” he stated.
“An army that wants to win a battle must exercise discipline within its ranks. Too often when we are yet to choose leaders, indiscipline, unacceptable language and unpardonable behaviour become the order of the day,” he disclosed.
“We should not let it happen again a second time. That is why I call on all kukrudites to stop the internal attacks now. Let us rather focus on the attempt by the NDC to undermine our democracy and rule of law in trying to remove the Chief Justice; let us focus on their clear intention to go after the Electoral Commissioner subsequently,” he added.
He also urged the leaders of the party to focus on the violence meted out to some members of the party by alleged NDC thugs in the recent Ablekuma North election, while reiterating his earlier call on President Mahama to apprehend the perpetrators for prosecution.
Dr. Bawumia also asked the leadership of the party to be firm and discipline whoever violates the dictates of the party’s constitution, in order to recapture power from the NDC in 2028.
He further indicated that the NPP does not only seek to win political power, but to offer hope to Ghanaians irrespective of their religious, ethnic, academic and social status in life.
He said it was therefore imperative for the rank and file of the party to be mindful of its root which resulted from the amalgamation of various interest groups and political parties that sought to serve the interest of Ghanaians.
Dr. Bawumia however, mentioned that tribalism and religious bigotry pose an existential threat and should therefore not be seen in the body politic of the party.
“It is therefore clear that the bonds of unity in diversity has been our lifeblood and our foundation. Now more than ever we must refresh them and desist from any language, character or actions that divide us. With unity and consistency we can regain the trust of Ghanaians,” he stressed.
“We must also be consistent in pursuance of our effort to address not just the challenges within, but more importantly the challenges that bedevil our motherland,” he added.
Over 5,000 delegates including constituency executives, national officers of the party, former and current Members of Parliament, Patrons, and former Ministers of State converged at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium to consider and approve 56 amendment proposals.
Two out of the 56 motions formulated by a nine-member Constitution Amendment Committee chaired by Frank Davies for consideration and approval by the national delegates were rejected.
They are proposal on youth age as well as election supervision by the Regional Executive Committee instead of polling station, electoral area and constituency officers.
Also present at the conference held under the theme “Rebuilding Together with Our Values” were electoral area coordinators, polling station executives, youth groups, and members of TESCON.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah