The National Secretariat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has moved swiftly and forcefully to extinguish a firestorm of tribalistic rhetoric sparked by one of its own.

The party issued a strongly worded condemnation against the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante Akim South, Kwaku Asante Boateng, after he reportedly launched a "despicable and divisive" public attack on the party’s immediate past Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The controversy erupted after Mr. Asante Boateng, in a widely circulated interview on Adom TV, reportedly launched an "unprovoked attack" on Dr. Bawumia, controversially "insisting he is unfit to lead the party."

The comments immediately sparked widespread outrage among party faithful, civil society actors, and the general public, who denounced the remarks as tribalistic and discriminatory in nature.

In a firm statement issued on Saturday and signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP’s national leadership categorically distanced the party from the MP's incendiary language.

The action underscores the party's immediate effort to stem the tide of internal discord, particularly at a time when the party is working to consolidate unity within its ranks following the competitive 2024 elections.

The NPP reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its founding ideals, effectively placing the MP's comments in direct contradiction with the party's ethos.

"The NPP reiterates its longstanding commitment to inclusivity, equality, and national cohesion," the statement declared, serving as a powerful institutional rebuke against tribal politics.

The party stressed that its membership and recognition are earned through loyalty, commitment, and service, not determined by ethnic origin or personal identity. This point is particularly crucial given Dr. Bawumia's historic run as the first non-Akan to lead the NPP's presidential ticket in the Fourth Republic.

The Secretariat's statement anchored its defence of Dr. Bawumia and condemnation of the MP within the party's core constitutional values, highlighting the NPP's vision of a unified Ghana where merit supersedes ethnicity.

"As a political tradition founded on the principles of freedom, justice, democracy, and equal opportunity, the Party remains dedicated to fostering a society where every Ghanaian, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or social background, can participate meaningfully in national development."

The statement further welcomed all citizens who share the party’s vision, emphasising that the door remains open for those dedicated to national progress.

"The NPP welcomes all citizens who subscribe to its core values and principles and are willing to contribute to the advancement of Ghana’s democratic and developmental agenda," it added.

General Secretary Frimpong assured the public that the party will continue to "uphold the dignity of every citizen" and promote a political culture anchored in tolerance, respect, and inclusiveness, signalling zero tolerance for tribal-based attacks, especially as the party refocuses its efforts post-2024.