New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante Akim South Kwaku Asante Boateng has come under more criticism following his disparaging remarks against former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In a televised interview, Kwaku Asante described Dr Bawumia an outsider and an alien in the party, stressing he is not fit to lead the NPP as Presidential Candidate.
The national secretariat of the NPP, among many, condemned the MP for the remarks.
The Ashanti Regional NPP Parliamentary Caucus has also issued a strongly-worded statement rejecting the “divisive” comment by their member, and also warned him to stop linking the NPP and the Ashanti Region to such tribal remarks.
“These comments are deeply offensive and run contrary to the spirit of unity, respect and equality that the NPP stands for. The Ashanti Regional Caucus completely dissociates itself from this narrative and condemns it in no uncertain terms,” the statement said.
“The NPP was founded on the timeless principles of freedom, equality of opportunity and inclusivity. Ours is a party that welcomes and rewards merit, loyalty and service and not lineage, tribe or religious identity. Every member, regardless of origin or background, has an equal right to aspire to any position within the party or in internal leadership.”
The MPs added that Ashanti Region, as the bedrock of the NPP, “rejects any attempt to use history, tribe or identity to divide our ranks or to question the belonging of any loyal member”.
“Such rhetoric is not only divisive but undermines the unity and cohesion that have been the foundations of our party’s success over the years.”
The MPs also called for disciplinary action to be taken against members of the party who make such offensive comments against the collective interest of the party.
“Across all mature democracies, political parties act decisively against utterances that inflame ethnic or religious tension. As a democratic institution, the NPP must uphold that same standard of discipline, mutual respect and responsibility in speech and conduct.
“The Ashanti Regional Caucus, therefore reaffirms its unwavering commitment to national unity, peace and inclusivity.”