Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritise the personal qualities and capabilities of candidates over considerations such as tribe, religion, or gender when selecting the party’s next presidential candidate.

His remarks come in the wake of internal debates following the announcement of January 31, 2026, as the date for the party’s presidential primaries.

Speaking at the launch of the NPP’s new policy think tank, the Patriotic Institute, on Wednesday, June 25, Kufuor reminded party faithful that the NPP is fundamentally a democratic party that must uphold values of inclusivity and equality.

“In a democracy, we don’t go for tribe or religion or gender but the individual… If we want power, we have to present a person who will be convincing to the generality of the electorate,” he said.

Kufuor emphasized the principle of “one man, one vote”, stressing that the party’s nominee must appeal to a broad base of the Ghanaian electorate, not just a particular group.

He acknowledged that political opponents have long accused the NPP of being a tribal party, and cautioned that such labels could stick if members within the party continue to promote narrow identity politics.

“We’ve been brushed by our opponents as a tribal party — and these days, we are even adding religion… If these things come from our own mouths, then I tell you, we are perpetuating it ourselves.”

The former President called on the NPP to confront these realities with honesty and choose a leader who can unify the country and deliver solutions that benefit all communities.

“Tell the truth to ourselves and focus on selecting a leader who can unify the country and help solve the problems of the community at large, so it benefits and spreads across the board for all.”