Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against confusing frank analysis of electoral outcomes with tribal or religious interpretations.
His remarks come amid a storm of controversy surrounding comments by NPP presidential hopeful, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who referenced the Bawku conflict while assessing the party’s performance in the area.
Contributing to ongoing discussions, Dr. Adomako Kissi dismissed suggestions that raising such concerns amounted to ethnic or sectarian bias. “Being candid and frank with data is not a sin. When you speak to data, you are not being tribalistic, and the religious thing didn’t matter here,” he stated.
The debate intensified after a video circulated showing Dr. Acheampong linking the Bawku conflict to the NPP’s electoral fortunes. His remarks were sharply criticised by the Northern NPP Concerned Youth Group, who accused him of fueling “ethnic bigotry” with divisive rhetoric.
Dr. Adomako Kissi, however, suggested that the remarks may have been misrepresented or misunderstood. He explained that Dr. Acheampong’s broader point was that if the party’s flagbearer had come from a religious or ethnic group not tied to the conflict, the political outcome might have been different.
“This issue is very touchy, but I think it is misinformation either to Dr. Bawumia or a misunderstanding by virtue of the people who channelled the message to him”
Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, Former MP for Anyaa Sowutuom
He emphasised that the NPP must learn to distinguish between fact-based analysis and tribal interpretations if it hopes to improve its electoral standing in future contests.
Dr. Adomako Kissi also warned against the leaking of internal party discussions, describing it as political hypocrisy that weakens unity. He stressed that disagreements within caucus must remain internal and once a majority decision is taken, members should stand by it publicly.
He further argued that the party’s neutrality in the Bawku conflict had been compromised by perceptions of bias, which, in his view, rippled across other regions and contributed to the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections.
Briefly turning to issues of governance, Dr. Adomako Kissi urged Ghanaians not to reduce every office benefit to wasteful expenditure. He argued that certain investments in government institutions were essential and should not be dismissed as luxuries.
According to him, retooling critical institutions was part of the responsibilities of leadership and could not be sacrificed for populist political attacks.
Helicopter Crash Probe
Dr. Adomako Kissi also commented on the ongoing investigation into the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash of August 6, 2025, which claimed eight lives, including two cabinet ministers and senior security officials.
Following the Ministry of Defence inaugurating an Investigation Board with technical and advisory backing from the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Adomako Kissi welcomed the involvement of the Americans, describing it as a step that guarantees professionalism and credibility.
“It will also allow for the military to have an additional oversight in this whole process,” he said. He emphasised that the U.S. Air Force’s extensive experience in handling aviation accidents would ensure that the probe is free from political interference.
“The Americans have had many incidents of crashes, and for that matter, it makes sense for them to assist. I think they will do a very present job without the geopolitics aspect. I am very confident”
Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, Former MP for Anyaa Sowutuom
In his view, the inclusion of U.S. experts not only strengthens the technical quality of the investigation but also builds public trust in the findings.
He however noted that if the NPP had transported the helicopter’s black box to the U.S. during its time in power, the public reaction might have been very different. “I’m glad the NDC can seek outside expertise without noise,” Dr. Adomako Kissi remarked, suggesting that the current approach reflects maturity in governance.
As the NPP continues to grapple with internal debates over ethnicity, religion, and electoral losses, his call for fact-driven discussions and unity underscores the delicate balance the party must maintain ahead of future elections.
At the same time, his confidence in external oversight of the crash probe reflects a broader call for transparency and accountability in national governance.
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