Kusaug members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have raised alarm over what they describe as threats and intimidation targeted at party members supporting Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026.
In a statement dated January 29, 2026, the group said the intimidation is aimed at discouraging their lawful participation in the internal elections and coercing them into backing alternative candidates. They rejected claims that Kusaug delegates wield decisive numerical power in determining the outcome of the primaries, describing such assertions as misleading and deliberately intended to inflame tensions fileciteturn0file0.
The group stated that their support for Dr. Bawumia is a legitimate and strategic political choice, taken in good faith and geared toward long-term inclusion and constructive engagement for Kusaug within the NPP, rather than marginalisation. They stressed that attempts to dictate their political decisions are unacceptable and undermine internal party democracy fileciteturn0file0.
The statement further condemned any form of threat, intimidation, or violence linked to internal party choices, describing such actions as unlawful and a direct threat to public order. The group warned that such conduct must cease immediately to prevent further escalation fileciteturn0file0.
Addressing broader concerns, the Kusaug NPP members cautioned against the politicisation of chieftaincy, arguing that blending partisan politics with traditional authority weakens both institutions. They maintained that chieftaincy is a lifelong and sacred institution, while politics remains competitive and cyclical, and warned that mixing the two could undermine peace and democracy in Kusaug fileciteturn0file0.
The group affirmed their constitutional right to political participation and personal security, insisting they will not surrender these rights to fear or coercion. They called on the Kusaug Traditional Council and community leaders to caution individuals engaging in threats and intimidation, emphasizing that peace cannot coexist with impunity fileciteturn0file0.
They also appealed to the Ghana Police Service and the Military to immediately investigate and decisively address any acts or threats of intimidation or violence related to the primaries, to safeguard lives, maintain public order, and protect the integrity of the democratic process fileciteturn0file0.
The statement was issued by the Kusaug NPP Youth Forum and signed by several party leaders and representatives across the Kusaug area, with copies sent to traditional authorities, security agencies, party leadership, and the media.
