Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called on members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the wider Ghanaian political establishment to prioritise individual competence over considerations of tribe, religion, or gender when selecting leaders.

Speaking at the launch of the NPP’s Patriotic Institute on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, former President Kufuor stressed that true democracy is anchored on meritocracy and shared values of common humanity.

His comments come amid heightened political manoeuvring following the party’s announcement that it will elect its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections on January 31, 2026.

Reports of personal attacks and factionalism among supporters of potential aspirants have raised concerns about unity within the party.

“We are a democratic party and we uphold common humanity. 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 stated.

He emphasised that candidates must be evaluated based on their ability to address the country’s pressing issues and act in the national interest.

The former president also warned that internal divisions and identity-based rhetoric risk damaging the party’s reputation and giving political opponents ammunition.

“When we start saying things ourselves then our opponents use them against us that we are tribal or religiously biased. If this happens then I can tell you that we are only perpetuating (sic) the problem,” he cautioned.

Kufuor urged the NPP to rally behind values of truth, competence, and development, and to reject politics rooted in identity.



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