Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed disappointment over comments by Asante Akim South MP Kwaku Asante Boateng, who recently described him as a “stranger” within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and questioned his suitability to lead the party as flagbearer.

Addressing party members during his tour of the Oti Region on Sunday, Dr Bawumia said the remarks were divisive and contrary to the unifying traditions of the NPP.

“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 stated.

The comment by the MP, which drew criticism from the NPP national secretariat, the Ashanti Regional Parliamentary Caucus, and other party groups, highlights growing tensions ahead of the party’s flagbearer selection.

Dr Bawumia reminded members that the NPP traces its roots to the United Party (UP), a political union that historically brought together diverse ethnic and religious groups across Ghana.

“Those who say this don’t understand our history. Our tradition is the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition, formed by all the main tribes across Ghana. This is the tradition of the NPP,” he said.

The former Vice President also recounted his long service to the party, including four stints as a running mate, two terms as Vice President, and involvement in campaigns, lectures, and Supreme Court proceedings. He emphasised that personal sacrifice and commitment should outweigh tribal origin in assessing leadership.

“If Dr Bawumia, after 17 years of service to the party, is described as an outsider and stranger, how do we grow the party to attract new members from all parts of Ghana?” he asked.

Dr Bawumia called on NPP members to reject such divisive rhetoric and instead embrace unity and respect for all party members.

He encouraged supporters to vote for him as the party’s flagbearer as a statement against tribal bigotry, saying, “Any member from any part of the country can lead the party if you are capable. It does not matter where you are—Dagomba, Ga, Dangbe, Sefwi, Ewe, Dagarti, Wala, Bono, Asante, Akyem, Kwahu, Mamprusi, Kusasi, Konkomba, Fante, Frafra, Guan, Gonja, Sisala, Kasena, Kotokoli, Bimoba, or Chakosi.”

The remarks come amid heightened attention on internal contestations within the NPP, as the party prepares for its upcoming flagbearer selection in 2026 ahead of the 2028 general elections.