OPINION: Bryan Acheampong must choose statesmanship over tribal bigotry
It is imperative, therefore, that Bryan Acheampong retract his unfortunate tribal outbursts and render an unqualified apology—not only to Dr. Bawumia and his ethnic community, but to the entire NPP and the Ghanaian public.
When Hon. Bryan Acheampong first announced his intention to contest in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries, many of us were curious about what he had to offer. He began on a promising note—gentlemanly in posture, repeatedly emphasizing unity, and projecting himself as a disciplined party man. That approach earned him the admiration of many within and outside the NPP. Indeed, quite a number of observers believed he was well positioned to place second to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and, in doing so, naturally establish himself as a credible future successor to the Vice President.
But in recent times, Bryan Acheampong has taken a deeply troubling turn. From a campaign once clothed in civility and unity, he has descended into reckless bravado—boasting about wealth as though riches are the currency of political legitimacy. More dangerously, he has embraced the politics of division, most recently making inflammatory and bigoted remarks directed against Dr. Bawumia and his ethnic background. These comments were not only distasteful but politically reckless, unworthy of a man who seeks higher office.
The Dangers of Tribal Politics
Hon. Acheampong should be reminded that tribal politics is poison. It corrodes political parties, destabilizes nations, and divides communities beyond repair. The NPP, despite its internal contestations, has always aspired to project itself as a party for all Ghanaians. To inject such toxic rhetoric into its bloodstream is to court political disaster. It insults the intelligence of the Ghanaian voter, undermines national unity, and diminishes the credibility of the party he claims to serve.
Already, many Ghanaians—party faithful and independent minds alike—have schooled him with facts and data that clearly expose the fallacy of his claims. Records from the 2024 general elections show that Dr. Bawumia performed better in several constituencies, including areas where even Kusasi NPP parliamentary candidates struggled. For Bryan Acheampong to reduce the complex dynamics of voting behavior to crude tribal generalizations is not only intellectually dishonest but also unbecoming of a former minister of state and a future presidential hopeful.
Focus on Ideas, Not Tribalism
If Bryan Acheampong truly wishes to remain relevant in the NPP and position himself as a possible flagbearer in the future, he must abandon the dangerous path of tribal campaigning without delay. What the party and Ghanaians expect from him are not cheap tribal slurs or arrogant displays of wealth, but rather clarity of vision, depth of ideas, and an account of his stewardship in the positions he has already held.
He has served in important ministerial portfolios, including that of Minister of Food and Agriculture. The legitimate questions he must answer are: how did his leadership improve the lives of farmers? How did it uplift ordinary citizens? And how did it contribute to the electoral fortunes of the NPP? These are the issues on which he will be judged—not how many millions he has, nor how divisively he can exploit ethnic sentiments.
The Political Reality
Hon. Acheampong must also soberly acknowledge a political fact: he cannot, and will not, be chosen ahead of Dr. Bawumia as the flagbearer of the NPP. That battle is not his to win today. What he can do, however, is to learn from Dr. Bawumia—his humility, his intellect, and his discipline—and patiently prepare himself as a credible successor for tomorrow. But that future is possible only if he reforms his ways now, not if he continues down this reckless path.
A Call to Retract and Apologize
It is imperative, therefore, that Bryan Acheampong retract his unfortunate tribal outbursts and render an unqualified apology—not only to Dr. Bawumia and his ethnic community, but to the entire NPP and the Ghanaian public. Such humility is the only path to redeeming his battered credibility.
But let him also be warned: if he persists in peddling this toxic tribal agenda, he should expect fierce resistance. The facts are there, and they will be marshaled against him. Ghanaians will not hesitate to expose his contradictions, scrutinize his record, and reveal the true measure of his political character.
Conclusion
Hon. Bryan Acheampong stands at a crossroads. He can either rise above petty politics and demonstrate statesmanship, or he can remain chained to the gutter tactics of tribal bigotry. The choice is his—but so too are the consequences. Leadership is not about arrogance or division; it is about service, humility, and vision. If he hopes to lead the NPP and Ghana one day, then let him act like a leader today.
Author: Aputara Akasoba Jeremiah, a former Virst vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party in the Chiana-Paga Constituency.
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