Bawumia Calls for Party Unity and Mutual Forgiveness

New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia urged party members to forgive one another for harmful statements made during the presidential primaries campaign, emphasizing that reconciliation remains essential as the party prepares for the 2028 general elections.

Speaking at a National Thanksgiving Service held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) auditorium on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Bawumia described the internal contest as peaceful and incident-free despite the intensity of the campaign period. He acknowledged that political contests can create lasting wounds beneath the surface.

The former vice president appealed directly to party faithful to repair relationships damaged during the campaign. He stated that members should forgive unpalatable statements made against one another during the election cycle, emphasizing patience, truth, love, and trust in God rather than retaliation when falsely accused.

Bawumia noted that some members have already initiated efforts to reconnect, stating that while the healing process remains incomplete, genuine reconciliation efforts have begun. He commended party members for steps taken toward rebuilding unity.

The thanksgiving service represented the second major religious observance following Bawumia’s victory in the January 31, 2026 presidential primaries. An Islamic thanksgiving prayer service was held at the National Mosque on Friday, February 13, under the theme Offer to God a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving drawn from Psalm 50:14.

Bawumia secured 110,643 votes representing 56.48 percent of valid ballots cast, defeating four challengers including Kennedy Agyapong who received 46,554 votes or 23.76 percent, Bryan Acheampong with 36,303 votes representing 18.53 percent, Yaw Osei Adutwum who secured 1,999 votes, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong who obtained 402 votes.

At the Islamic service, Bawumia cautioned that victory in 2028 would not come automatically, emphasizing that success must be earned through discipline, sacrifice, and grassroots mobilization constituency by constituency. He announced plans for nationwide engagement in coming weeks to acknowledge member contributions and reorganize party structures.

Former Suame Member of Parliament Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu confirmed that Bawumia personally spearheads reconciliation efforts, acknowledging tensions exist in some constituencies. He stated that without a united party, the NPP cannot win the next election, noting that support from floating voters beyond the traditional base remains essential.

Unity walks occurred in Tamale on Saturday, February 14, with participants wearing shirts featuring images of all primary candidates. All four defeated aspirants publicly accepted results and pledged support for Bawumia’s candidacy.

Beyond internal matters, Bawumia appealed to government to prioritize national healing over political retribution. He argued that Ghanaians remain under significant economic pressure, stating the moment calls for lowering political temperatures.

The NPP lost the 2024 presidential election to John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress, who secured approximately 56 percent of votes while Bawumia received roughly 41 percent. The party holds minority status in parliament with 88 seats compared to 183 for the National Democratic Congress.