The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged party members to forgive one another over grievances stemming from the recent campaign season, stressing the need for unity as the party reorganises for the future.
He emphasised that reconciliation remains crucial as the NPP prepares for the next political cycle.
Speaking at the National Thanksgiving Service at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Dr. Bawumia appealed to party faithful to put aside hurt caused by heated campaign exchanges.
“On this day as we celebrate and give thanks together, I want to ask all of us, from the bottom of my heart, that we forgive each other for some of the unpalatable things we may have said during the campaign,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia noted that although the healing process is still underway, progress has been made since the elections.
“I have been encouraged by the efforts many of you have made to reach out to your brothers and sisters after the elections. Though I know the exercise of healing is not yet completed, I believe we have started well, and I commend all patriots for the steps taken so far,” he added.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia further cautioned against what he described as growing tendencies of political retribution and score-settling. The former Vice President insists that Ghana’s current circumstances demand restraint, reconciliation, and responsible leadership.
Speaking at the NPP’s Annual Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Dr Bawumia said the country has endured hardship and remains under intense social and economic pressure, making it imperative for political actors to de-escalate tensions rather than inflame them.
“Ghana has been through a lot. Our people are still under lots of pressure. This is not the time for retribution, intimidation, or the settling of political scores,” he said.
“It is the time to lower the temperature, heal the nation, and govern in a way that reassures every Ghanaian that they are safe, respected, and valued regardless of how they voted.”
The former Vice President stressed that national cohesion must supersede partisan interest, warning that democracy loses its meaning when it is weaponised for vengeance.
“Ghana is bigger than any political party. Our democracy must never be reduced to vengeance,” he noted.
Dr. Bawumia further challenged political leaders and public officials to recommit themselves to service, describing governance as demanding work that requires humility, patience, and a willingness to listen.
“There is work to be done, serious work, the kind of work that requires patience, listening, learning, and showing up even when the applause is absent. The kind of work that places the country before comfort and duty before ego,” he added.
The NPP held a thanksgiving service to express gratitude to God for the party’s successful 31 January 2026 presidential primaries, during which its delegations overwhelmingly elected Dr. Bawumia.
Dr. Bawumia secured a decisive victory, polling 110,643 votes, representing 56.48 per cent of the total votes cast. Kennedy Agyapong came second with 46,554 votes (23.76%).
Dr. Bryan Acheampong finished third with 36,303 votes (18.53%). Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong trailed with 1,999 votes (1.02%) and 402 votes (0.21%), respectively.
The primary saw participation from over 195,000 delegates, who cast their ballots at 333 polling centres across all 276 constituencies.
Voting was conducted under tight security and under the close supervision of party officials to ensure a credible and transparent process.
Party officials and observers described the exercise as largely peaceful, with minimal incidents reported during voting and counting.
