Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has challenged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rise above tribal divisions, warning that labelling capable leaders as outsiders threatens the party’s growth and unity.

Speaking during his campaign tour of the Oti Region on Sunday, Dr Bawumia addressed controversial remarks by Asante Akim South MP Kwaku Asante Boateng, who called him an outsider and questioned his suitability to lead the party as flagbearer.

“Today, some of my opponents say I am an outsider and a stranger, who does not deserve to lead the party because of where I come from. This is dangerous, divisive and contrary to the diversity of our unifying tradition,” he said, emphasising that the NPP’s roots in the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition unite all major tribes across Ghana.

Dr Bawumia questioned how the party can attract members nationwide if long-serving leaders are dismissed based on their origin. “If Dr Bawumia, after 17 years of service to the party, is described as an outsider and a stranger, how do we grow the party to attract new members from all parts of Ghana?”

He urged NPP members to vote based on competence rather than tribal background, stating, “It does not matter whether you are Dagomba, Ga, Dangbe, Sefwi, Ewe, Dagarti, Wala, Bono, Asante, Akyem, Kwahu, Mamprusi, Kusasi, Konkomba, Fante, Frafra, Guan or Gonja, Sisala, Kasena, Bimoba, Chakosi, etc.”

Dr Bawumia concluded by calling on supporters to back him in the party’s January primaries “to send a message to these tribal bigots that anyone from any part of the country can lead the party if you are capable.”