Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the broader Ghanaian political class to prioritise individual competence over tribal, religious, or gender considerations in democratic leadership.

Speaking at the launch of the NPP’s Patriotic Institute on Wednesday, 25 June, Mr Kufuor reminded party faithful that true democracy is rooted in the value of common humanity and meritocracy.

His remarks follow the NPP’s recent announcement that it will select its flagbearer for the 2028 general election on 31 January next year.

The news has sparked political manoeuvring and, reportedly, a series of personal attacks among supporters of various potential aspirants. Mr Kufuor cautioned against divisive rhetoric, saying it undermines the very democratic principles the party claims to uphold.

“We are a democratic party and we uphold common humanity,” he said.

“So 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 added that aspirants must be assessed by their ability to solve real problems and serve the interests of the entire nation.

The former President also warned that internal party divisions fuel the very criticisms their opponents use against them.

“When we start saying things ourselves that our opponents use against us — that we are tribal or religiously biased — then I tell you, we are only perpetuating the problem,” he cautioned.

Mr Kufuor called on the party to unite behind values that promote truth, competence and national development, rather than identity politics.