Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh cautions NPP members against tribal, religious rhetoric in internal campaigns

The 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Vice Presidential Candidate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), has urged party members to refrain from using tribal and religious rhetoric in the party’s internal campaigns, warning that such conduct undermines the party’s democratic credentials and national appeal.

He cautioned that divisive language could reinforce long-standing negative stereotypes about the NPP and weaken its chances in future national elections.

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh made the call in a statement on his Facebook page on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after joining Mrs Samira Bawumia, wife of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on a campaign tour of the Manhyia South Constituency in the Ashanti Region.

Expressing concern over what he described as “creeping bigotry” within the party as it prepares for the 2028 presidential primaries, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh warned against actions that could portray the NPP as an ethnically or religiously driven political organisation.

“This is a party that has been branded tribal; we cannot perpetuate it,” he stated, adding that careless utterances by some members only give credence to such accusations.

He was, however, emphatic that the NPP is not a tribal party.

“We are democratic and we uphold common humanity,” he said to applause from party members.
“Democracy doesn’t go in for tribe, religion or gender. It is the individual one man, one vote. And if we want power, we must present a candidate who will be convincing to the generality of the electorate.”

In his Facebook post, Dr Opoku Prempeh also highlighted his engagement with party delegates during the visit.

“Hajia Samira Bawumia’s campaign tour of the Ashanti Region made a stop at my beloved Manhyia South, and it was an honour to once again engage my esteemed delegates in the constituency,” he wrote.

He reiterated his call for unity within the party, regardless of individual ambitions.

“I reiterated my call for us to unite behind the Elephant, regardless of who sits on it, and reaffirmed the message I have shared consistently across the country: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia remains the only candidate with the clarity, experience and national appeal to lead our party to victory in the shortest possible time.”

Dr Opoku Prempeh stressed the need for the party to return urgently to its core democratic values, warning that failure to do so could erode public trust and reduce the party’s relevance.

“We must get out of this,” he cautioned.

His remarks come amid growing internal competition ahead of the NPP’s 2028 presidential primaries, which has heightened tensions within the party, with some supporters accused of engaging in tribal and religious politics.

NAPO emphasised that the party’s choice of leader must be based on competence and national vision, not ethnicity or religious affiliation.

“Can the person we are presenting help solve problems for the community at large so the benefits spread across the board for all?” he asked.

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh cautions NPP members against tribal, religious rhetoric in internal campaigns