Bawumia has disarmed NDC’s ethnocentric strategy- Kwabena Agyepong
Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Senior Campaign Advisor to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has stated that Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy has effectively disarmed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), neutralizing the party’s ethnocentric campaign strategy.
In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Mr. Agyepong explained that the NDC had historically relied on an ethnically charged narrative to portray the NPP as an “Akan party” in an effort to win over voters, particularly from the northern regions and Zongo communities. However, he said, this narrative had been significantly disrupted with the election of Dr. Bawumia, Northerner and Muslim, as the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer.
According to Agyepong, Dr. Bawumia’s selection signalled a new chapter in Ghanaian politics, where ethnicity and religion no longer defined party allegiance. He noted that Dr Bawumia’s candidacy exemplified the NPP’s commitment to inclusivity and national unity, moving beyond traditional ethnic lines.
“This is the first time in Ghana’s political history that the NPP has selected a Northern Muslim as its flagbearer, and this has completely disarmed the NDC’s ethnocentric propaganda, which they have used to great effect since the 1980s,” Mr. Agyepong noted.
He pointed out that, for decades, the NDC had leaned on the historical Alien Compliance Order and similar events to foster ethnic divisions, accusing the NPP of marginalizing people from northern Ghana. With Dr. Bawumia leading the NPP, Mr Agyepong believes the opposition’s main weapon has been taken away.
“I’m pretty confident that we may surprise a few in Accra. For the first time, electing Dr. Bawumia has disarmed the NDC of their most potent propaganda weapon. Since 1982, they have been masters in ethnocentric campaigns, labeling the NPP as an Ashanti or Akan party. But now, that message has no foundation,” he emphasised.
Mr Agyepong further recalled how NDC members, including its General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, doubted whether the NPP would ever allow Dr. Bawumia to lead, due to his background. “Their candidate publicly questioned whether Dr. Bawumia would be given the nod, saying the NPP was an ‘Akan party’ that would never allow a Northerner to lead. But the party thought otherwise, and voted overwhelmingly for Dr Bawumia, with 61% of the vote. Now, the NDC is struggling to find a coherent message,” he remarked.
Despite the challenges the NPP faces, including internal divisions, Mr. Agyepong expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2024 general elections. He highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s leadership as a unifying force that strengthens the party’s appeal, particularly in swing regions such as Greater Accra.
He also noted the NPP’s growing influence in traditionally NDC-dominated areas, stating, “We’re now fighting them on their turf, in areas we previously didn’t have a strong presence. Our grassroots support is very strong, and with Bawumia at the helm, we are positioned to win over voters in regions where the NPP was once less competitive.”
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