With the New Patriotic Party (NPP) set to hold its presidential primary on Saturday, January 31, 2026, tensions are rising in parts of the Upper East Region, particularly the Bawku area, following claims by some supporters of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia that their lives are being threatened because of their political stance.

In a press statement issued in Bawku, supporters of Dr. Bawumia under the banner of Kusaug NPP members alleged that unknown individuals have been intimidating and threatening them for openly declaring support for the Vice President ahead of the internal party elections.

The group is calling on the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces to “immediately investigate, prevent, and decisively address any acts or threats of intimidation, violence, or incitement related to the forthcoming primaries,” in order to protect lives, maintain public order, and safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.

The statement was signed by the former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director and lead convenor, Dr. John Kingsley Krugu.

According to him, political choices within the NPP must never be grounds for fear, coercion, or violence.

“We respectfully call on the Kusaug Traditional Council and all well-meaning leaders and elders to urgently caution any individuals engaging in threats or intimidation.

Kusaug is a peaceful society, but peace cannot coexist with impunity,” Dr. Krugu stated.

He further stressed that members of the NPP in Kusaug have the full constitutional right to lawful political participation and personal security.

“Kusaug NPP members reserve our full constitutional right to lawful political participation and personal security.

These rights will not be surrendered to fear, intimidation, or coercion,” he added.

Touching on the political reality of the primaries, the statement dismissed claims that the numerical strength of Kusaug delegates alone could determine the outcome of the NPP flagbearer race.

“The numerical strength of Kusaug delegates alone is insufficient to determine the outcome of the NPP presidential primary. Any assertion to the contrary is misleading and intended to inflame tensions without a factual basis,” the group noted.

The statement further described the support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia by Kusaug NPP members as a “legitimate and strategic political choice,” made in good faith and aimed at securing long-term interests for the area through inclusion and constructive engagement, not marginalisation.

The group strongly rejected any attempts at coercion.

“Attempts to coerce, intimidate, or direct Kusaug NPP members to support alternative candidates are presumptuous, uninformed, and unacceptable.

Kusaug NPP members are fully capable of assessing political options and determining what best serves their collective and Kusaug’s interests within the NPP,” the statement said.

They also described threats and violence linked to internal party choices as illegal and reckless.

“Any threat of violence, intimidation, or harm arising from internal party choices is unlawful, reckless, and a direct threat to public order. Such conduct must cease immediately,” the group warned.

Beyond the immediate security concerns, the statement raised broader issues about the politicisation of chieftaincy in Kusaug. According to the group, dragging traditional authority into partisan politics erodes the legitimacy of both institutions.

“We firmly believe that the ongoing politicisation of our chieftaincy erodes the authority of our Overlord. Chieftaincy is lifelong, sacred, and enduring, while politics is competitive, elective, and cyclical. Combining the two weakens both and jeopardises Kusaug’s unity and peace,” the statement concluded.

The NPP primaries will see delegates across the country vote to select the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2028 general elections. 

Party leaders and security agencies are being urged to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair internal electoral process nationwide