The Northern NPP Concerned Youth Group has strongly condemned what it describes as an “ethnic bigotry campaign” by New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Dr. Bryan Acheampong.
Addressing the press on Monday, August 25, the group said comments made by Dr. Acheampong in a circulating video, where he referenced the long-standing Bawku conflict in relation to the party’s performance in the area, were “distasteful, unguided, and divisive.”
According to the group, Dr. Acheampong suggested that former Vice President and NPP flagbearer in the 2024 elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, should be rejected by party delegates because of the party’s electoral struggles in the Bawku enclave, which he linked to the Mamprusi-Kusasi conflict.
The youth group described the remarks as “needless attacks” that not only insult the intelligence of party members but also threaten to derail the progress the NPP has made in the five northern regions.
“The NPP, as a national party, abhors discriminatory political discussion and embraces all manner of people irrespective of their religious or ethnic background,” the statement read.
The group further warned that such divisive comments could damage the party’s reputation and electoral prospects, stressing that the Bawku conflict is a sensitive national security matter that should not be exploited for political gain.
They highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s contribution to the party’s fortunes in the north, noting that his leadership and performance as running mate and Vice President helped increase the NPP’s chances across the five regions of the North.
The group demanded an unqualified apology from Dr. Acheampong, urging party leaders to ensure that internal contests are based on ideas and policies rather than ethnic or chieftaincy sentiments.
“We take Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s ethnic bigotry campaign as an insult to well-meaning Ghanaians and the rank and file of the party,” the statement concluded.
