Joe Ghartey with the NPP delegates
A former Attorney General and presidential hopeful of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Joe Ghartey, has called on the NPP delegates to reject politics of ethnicity and tribalism in the country. He, therefore, emphasised the importance of unity and inclusivity within the NPP as it prepares for the upcoming presidential primaries.
He made the call when he met with delegates and party members of the Upper West Regional Executive Committee at Wa on Wednesday. He reminded delegates that because the party was founded by a cross-section of accomplished citizens from across the country, the founding fathers of the tradition and communities they hailed from will never be forgotten by the NPP.
Reminding them of the role particularly played by late R. S. Dombo, he assured the delegates they will ever be cherished by the party, and receive their due rewards at the right time, in job creation and other opportunities, without discrimination.
Mr Ghartey explained that his stance against politics driven by ethnicity and tribalism demonstrates his commitment to a united Ghana that prioritizes national development over divisive agendas.
The NPP presidential hopeful highlighted the damaging effects of divisive politics based on ethnicity and tribal affiliations. He passionately urged party members to prioritize the values of meritocracy, fairness, and national unity.
Principles
Such principles, he noted, must guide the selection of the NPP’s flagbearer for the upcoming general elections. Mr Ghartey stressed that Ghana’s progress and development should be the central focus, rather than divisive narratives that only serve to create division and hinder national cohesion.
He urged the delegates to rise above regional biases, and to recognize the rich diversity of Ghana’s people as a strength that should be celebrated and harnessed for the country’s advancement.
According to him, politics should never be about dividing people along tribal or ethnic lines. “We must reject any form of politics that seeks to exploit our differences for personal gain. Ghana needs leaders who unite, not those who seek to create divisions among our people,” he stressed.
The former Minister of Railways Development recounted that, in 1957, when Ghana became a nation, the then Gold Coast, Ashanti, the North, and parts of Trans Volta Togoland joined together to form Ghana.
“Since then we have remained a nation. If we had introduced ethnicity into our politics we would be sowing a dangerous and poisonous seed and the fruits we would reap would be bitter,” he indicated.
Support
Urging delegates to support his candidature, Mr Ghartey said he has a clear vision for Ghana in terms of immense support towards the private sector. He also pledged to promote the educational sector and health sector as a major drivers of the economy when given the nod to lead NPP.
“Delegates should vote for the best person and they should not rely on where the person came from. My service to NPP was from its inception in 1992 and the role I played in the writing of the Stolen Verdict in 1993. I have served the party diligently and you all can recall my role in 2009, during the Jirapa by-election which arose because of the death of Hon. Edward Salia,” he stated.
His message resonated strongly with the NPP delegates present, who applauded his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and united political landscape. His call for rejecting politics of ethnicity and tribalism comes at a crucial time when Ghana is preparing for a pivotal presidential election.
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