The National Secretariat of New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Ashanti Regional Parliamentary Caucus of the party, have described as unfortunate comments by the NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante Akim South, Kwaku Asante Boateng, that people of the northern extraction were not entitled to leadership or positions of authority within the party.
It said those comments ran contrary to the spirit of unity, respect, and equality that the NPP stood for.
These were contained in two separate statements signed by the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong and the Secretary to the Caucus, Vincent Ekow Assefuah in reaction to the MP’s comments, in a widely circulated video on social media.
Mr Boateng’s comments sparked widespread condemnation among party faithful, civil society actors and the general public, who denounced the remarks as tribalistic and discriminatory.
Reaction
In its statement issued last Saturday, the National Secretariat, dissociated the NPP’s national leadership from the MP's incendiary language.
"The NPP reiterates its longstanding commitment to inclusivity, equality and national cohesion," it stated.
The statement stated that its membership and recognition were earned through loyalty, commitment and service, not determined by ethnic origin or personal identity.
"As a political tradition founded on the principles of freedom, justice, democracy and equal opportunity, the party remains dedicated to fostering a society where every Ghanaian, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion or social background, can participate meaningfully in national development," it stated.
As a party of unity and progress, the statement said the party would continue to "uphold the dignity of every citizen and to promote a political culture anchored in tolerance, respect and inclusiveness.”
Ashanti Caucus
On its part, the Ashanti Regional Parliamentary Caucus condemned in no uncertain terms the comments suggesting that the Ashantis historically "used slaves for war”.
“Ours is a Party that welcomes and rewards merit, loyalty, and service and not lineage, tribe, or religious identity.
Every member, regardless of origin or background, has an equal right to aspire to any position within the Party or in national leadership,” it stated.
It rejected any attempt to use history, tribe, or identity to divide our ranks or to question the belonging of any loyal member, stressing that “such rhetoric is not only divisive but undermines the unity and cohesion that have been the foundation of our Party's success over the years.
“As a democratic institution, the NPP must uphold that same standard of discipline, mutual respect, and responsibility in speech and conduct,” it said, reaffirming its commitment to national unity, peace, and inclusivity.
“We urge all members, particularly those in leadership, to be guided by restraint and decorum in their public statements. Our focus must remain on strengthening the NPP and advancing the collective progress of our party and nation at large,” it stressed.
