The former Adansi Asokwa MP, Kobina Tahir (K.T.) Hammond has chastised attempts by some personalities within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reduce the party's 2026 flagbearerhip race to a mere contest of who is the richest among the five men who have submitted their nominations.

Speaking at Adansi Asokwa on Wednesday, September 10, Mr Hammond stated that the NPP was built on a foundation of selfless leadership, sacrifice, and forward-looking ideas crafted to build the nation, with leaders chosen for their abilities, not their wealth.

He stated that the NPP is "blessed with many, many rich men and women" who have supported the party since its founding in 1992.

"Such persons do not make noise. They don't flaunt their wealth and tell us they must be the ones to lead."

The former MP made the plea when the former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, began a three-day engagement with Constituency Executives in the Ashanti Region ahead of a nationwide campaign for the NPP flagbearer contest.

According to the leadership of the Bawumia Campaign, the former Vice President is in the Region to formally inform the Executives of his intention to visit their constituencies to engage with delegates at the polling station level and seek their support as he vies to lead the Party into the next election.

Commending Dr Bawumia for choosing to campaign on his vision and ideas for the NPP and Ghana's development, K.T. Hammond expressed worry about the seeming focus on wealth as a denominator for the choice of the next NPP flagbearer.

He insisted that rich people do not flaunt their wealth, noting that the foundation of the NPP is not anchored on such posturing.

"In the early days, when things were very, very difficult, have you seen those of us who financed the party then talking about it? Over the years, countless people, including Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, have financed this party. Have you seen us talking?" he asked.

"Leadership in NPP is based on a contest of ideas, a contest of visions for development. Let us get back to our values and choose a leader who reflects the values, visions, and principles of the NPP.

"I am convinced the person who best fits this description is Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Let's throw our support behind him and maintain him for 2028. He has the ideas and vision to deliver victory for the NPP."