Former Vice President and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on Ghanaians to uphold the ideals of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), saying the principles that inspired the country’s early nationalist movement should continue to shape Ghana’s democracy and governance.
In a speech delivered on his behalf during the commemoration of UGCC Founding Day in Axim on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Dr. Bawumia said the values championed by the Danquah-Busia-Dombo political tradition remain relevant and should serve as a guide for both leaders and citizens.
According to him, the tradition established by Dr. J.B. Danquah, Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, Chief S.D. Dombo and their associates was founded on principles of respect for individual rights, adherence to the rule of law, democratic accountability, private enterprise, social responsibility and equal citizenship.
He stressed that these ideals should not merely be celebrated in speeches or remembered as part of Ghana’s political history but should be reflected in decisions made by governments and public institutions.
Dr. Bawumia explained that democracy extends beyond the conduct of elections, noting that genuine freedom also includes the right of citizens to express their views without intimidation, practise their religion freely, establish legitimate businesses and expect equal treatment under the law.
Touching on justice, he said the rule of law should guarantee fairness for every Ghanaian, regardless of social status or political influence.
He argued that justice loses its meaning if the law is not applied equally to both the powerful and the ordinary citizen.
Dr. Bawumia, however, cautioned that the credibility of these values depends on how they are demonstrated in practice.
He urged political leaders to reflect the principles of freedom, justice and accountability through their actions, policies and engagement with the public.
The event formed part of the NPP’s annual observance of UGCC Founding Day, which commemorates the establishment of the United Gold Coast Convention in 1947.
The party regards the UGCC as the political foundation of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition and uses the occasion to reflect on its contribution to Ghana’s democratic development.
