Davis Ansah Opoku, Member of Parliament for Mpraeso and a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has firmly denied accusations of tribal bias following the circulation of a WhatsApp message that appeared to oppose a northern candidate’s future leadership bid in the party.
The leaked message, which quickly went viral, sparked backlash online, with critics accusing the MP—popularly known as OPK—of promoting tribal sentiments within the NPP ahead of the 2028 general elections.
However, in a public statement shared across his social media platforms, OPK rejected the claims, calling the allegations a “mischievous attempt” to twist a private conversation for political mischief.
“This publication is not only false but also a gross misrepresentation,” he stated. “The suggestion that I objected to a northerner becoming flagbearer is completely unfounded.”
Clarifying the context, OPK explained that his remarks were in response to comments made by another member of the WhatsApp group—identified only as Tamimu—who questioned the suitability of Hon. Bryan Acheampong as a future presidential candidate based on regional considerations. OPK said he referenced former President John Mahama, himself a northerner, to counter what he saw as a flawed logic of regional succession, not to target northerners.
“It was never an attack on northerners; it was a rebuttal of a divisive and regionalist claim made by one of their own,” he emphasized.
OPK reiterated his respect for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and all prospective NPP flagbearer candidates, underscoring that his vision for leadership is grounded in merit, not ethnicity.
He urged Ghanaians and party members alike to rise above tribal lines and embrace a politics of unity and competence: “We must shift the conversation from where someone comes from to what they can do for the country.”
The MP’s response adds to ongoing discussions about ethnic balance and inclusion within political parties as Ghana prepares for future elections.
