The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against promoting ethnicity and religion in its ongoing flagbearer contest, warning that such tactics could alienate many Ghanaians.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, August 30, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Tanko Computer, stressed that political competitions should focus on competence and ideas, rather than tribal or religious background.
“Ethnicity is not good for us in this country. Let’s focus on the candidates, what they are bringing to the table, not where they are coming from. Some have already started attacking the established candidate based on his background,” he said.
Mr. Tanko-Computer cited the late President Prof. John Evans Atta Mills as an example, highlighting how the NDC supported him despite early electoral setbacks due to regional considerations.
“We brought Prof. Atta Mills from the Central Region, a very large political landscape. In 2000, he lost; in 2004, his own people did not vote for him. But we persisted, and in 2008, he won massively. So let’s stop this ethnicity thing and focus on the strength of the person,” he added.
He also questioned whether current NPP rhetoric implied that individuals from certain regions, particularly the North, could never become president under the party. “Otherwise, what we are seeing now—are they trying to say anyone from the North cannot become president under the NPP? This makes their party look unattractive to Northerners,” he said.
Mr. Tanko-Computer further warned against the introduction of religion into politics, describing it as a dangerous trend. “Religion is not an issue in this country, but the NPP is hyping it. They are saying Zongo people voted against Bawumia in 2024, and therefore, he shouldn’t be considered again. They are bringing back that divisive narrative,” he noted.
He added that the NDC has consistently advised the NPP to avoid such tactics. “We warned them. The Christian-Muslim thing doesn’t work. Let’s focus on competence,” Mr. Tanko-Computer concluded.
Source – My News Ghana
About the Author
