Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on members of his party to pursue unity, discipline, and a genuine national interest as the NPP begins a process of introspection and rebuilding following its loss in the 2024 general elections.
Addressing party faithful at the National Delegates Conference—a gathering aimed at amending parts of the party’s constitution and setting a new course toward the 2028 elections, the former Vice President of Ghana acknowledged the difficult moment the NPP finds itself in.
Despite the NPP’s electoral defeat, Dr. Bawumia expressed hope for the future and confidence in the party’s ability to reorganise and regain the trust of the Ghanaian people. He emphasised that the road ahead must be defined by sincerity, reflection, and a commitment to doing better.
“I am filled with hope that as we reflect and reorganise, we will soon be given the opportunity once again by our countrymen and women to serve and assist in rebuilding and transforming our nation.
“Krukrudites, the task ahead of us is one that we have to conduct with diligence and measure. In times like this, we should be focused on strengthening our bonds of unity and reinvesting in the ties that bind us”.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
He warned that the party’s strength has historically come from its ability to bring together people of diverse ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds—and that this core value must not be sacrificed in the current political climate. “Under our tent, it has not mattered where you come from… or what religion you practice,” he remarked.
He reminded the delegates that the NPP’s roots stem from an amalgamation of diverse political traditions and regional representations—from the Northern People’s Party and Muslim Association Party to the Anglo Youth Organisation and the Togoland Congress. “It is clear, therefore, that the bonds of unity in diversity have been our lifeblood and our foundation. Now more than ever, we must refresh them,” he said.
Internal Divisions Rebuked
In a firm rebuke of internal divisions, Dr. Bawumia condemned tribalism and religious bigotry, warning that such tendencies are destructive and pose an existential threat to the party’s future.
“Tribalism and religious bigotry, from whichever quarters they emanate, should have no place in the New Patriotic Party. If we are fractured and at each other’s throats, none of us can cross over and lead us to fulfil this party’s purpose.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
He called for consistency not just in party affairs, but also in addressing the broader challenges facing the country.
Acknowledging that governance under both former President John Agyekum Kufuor and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had its triumphs and shortcomings, Dr Bawumia said the party must be honest about what worked and what did not.
“We succeeded at many things with monumental and transformational achievements… We have also learned useful lessons in how to improve some things in the future. We shouldn’t be shy about them.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Lessons from Election 2024
Reflecting on the 2024 campaign season, Dr Bawumia warned against the destructive nature of internal attacks. He noted that when such conflicts arise, they only serve to strengthen the opposition.
“When internal competitions are over, the attacks we would have launched on ourselves become further ammunition that our opponents use to attack us,” he observed. He reminded delegates that the 2024 campaign had offered painful lessons in this regard and urged them not to repeat the same mistake.
“Let’s stop the internal attacks now,” he urged, suggesting the party should be focused on confronting what he described as the troubling actions of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Specifically, he accused the NDC of attempting to undermine state institutions, pointing to recent developments involving efforts to remove the Chief Justice and anticipated attempts to target the Electoral Commission.
“Let us rather focus on the attempt by the NDC to undermine our democracy and rule of law,” he said. Touching on the violent disturbances at the recent Ablekuma North rerun elections, Dr Bawumia urged swift justice.
“I call on His Excellency, the President, to bring the perpetrators to book… The elephant never forgets. No matter how long it takes, we will prosecute the perpetrators when we assume office in 2029, Insha Allah.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Calls for Discipline
In terms of internal leadership and discipline, he appealed to party executives to act decisively and crack the whip so that discipline is maintained within the party’s ranks, emphasising that only a disciplined and united front can form the foundation of a “refreshed party.”
Dr. Bawumia’s remarks also revealed the reflective mindset he adopted on the morning of December 8, 2024—the day he formally conceded the election.
“My singular focus was on what is in the best interest of Ghana. I am fortified in my heart that as politicians, we should always be guided by what is in the best interest of Ghana.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
He urged his party to adopt the same attitude, noting that what benefits Ghana invariably benefits the NPP. “What is in Ghana’s best interest will always be in the best interest of the NPP. We cannot ever go wrong with that,”he remarked.
Looking forward, Dr. Bawumia expressed cautious optimism about the party’s prospects in the next election cycle.
“I have no doubt that, notwithstanding the challenges ahead—of which there will be many—if we are united and disciplined and work hard, we will win the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections by the grace of God. It is still possible”.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
As the NPP continues its internal reforms, the message from Dr. Bawumia was clear: unity, discipline, reflection, and national interest must become the guiding principles.
These values, he believes, are essential not just for winning elections but for sustaining the trust of Ghanaians and offering meaningful leadership in the years ahead.
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