Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has cautioned members of the New Patriotic Party over the growing use of tribal and religious language in the party’s internal political campaigns.
Speaking at the official launch of the NPP’s new ideological and policy think tank, the Patriotic Institute, held in Accra, Mr Kufuor expressed concern that such rhetoric could erode the party’s national appeal and reinforce long-standing stereotypes.
“This is a party that has been branded tribal; we cannot perpetuate it,” the former president cautioned, noting that divisive remarks by some members risk entrenching the notion that the NPP is driven by ethnic loyalties rather than national interests.
Mr Kufuor argued that the core of democracy rests not in tribal or religious identities, but in the individual and the shared ideals of a pluralistic society. “Democracy doesn’t go in for tribe, religion or gender. It is the individual. One man, one vote,” he said to loud applause from party faithful. “If we want power, we want to present a person who will be convincing to the generality of the electorate.”
With the party expected to elect a new presidential candidate ahead of the 2028 general elections, internal contests have already triggered accusations of sectarian campaigning. Mr Kufuor’s comments appeared aimed at urging greater caution and responsibility in how such campaigns are conducted.
He called on party members to reflect critically on their language and conduct, warning that internal rhetoric could inadvertently validate claims from political opponents that the party is exclusionary.
“We may see that the way we have been brushed by our opponents from way back—‘oh, you’re a tribal party’—these days we are even including religion. You do that, and it comes from our mouths, then I tell you we are perpetuating,” he said.
Mr Kufuor concluded with a passionate plea for a return to the party’s foundational democratic principles, warning that continued neglect of these ideals would further alienate the public. “We must get out of the rat hole,” he urged.
The launch of the Patriotic Institute comes as part of the NPP’s broader efforts to renew its ideological base and reposition the party after its loss in the 2024 elections.
