Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has cautioned members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rise above religious and tribal sentiments as the party prepares to elect its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

Speaking at the launch of the party’s new think tank, the Patriotic Institute, on Wednesday, 25 June, Mr Kufuor urged the NPP to remain committed to democratic values and choose a leader who can offer real solutions to the country’s problems.

His comments come in the wake of internal tensions and personal attacks against some potential aspirants following the party’s announcement that its flagbearer election will be held on 31 January, 2026.

With early jostling for leadership heating up, Mr Kufuor’s words were a timely reminder for party members to focus on substance over sectarianism.

“We are a democratic party and we uphold common humanity,” the former President said.

“In a democracy, we don’t go for tribe or religion or gender but the individual. It is one man, one vote, and if we want power, we have to present a person who will be convincing to the generality of the electorate.”

He stressed that the party’s choice must be guided by the candidate’s ability to tackle the pressing issues facing Ghanaians.

Mr Kufuor warned that perpetuating identity politics only reinforces negative stereotypes.

“We’ve been brushed by our opponents as a tribal party — and these days, we are even adding religion. If these things come from our own mouths, then I tell you, we are perpetuating it ourselves,” he lamented.

He urged the party to “tell the truth to ourselves” and focus on selecting a leader who can unify the country and “help solve the problems of the community at large, so it benefits and spreads across the board for all.”