Former Vice President and Flagbearer of the NPP Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says the ideals that guided the founders of the United Gold Coast Convention must become the living compass for Ghana’s democracy today, ensuring citizens enjoy freedom without fear or persecution.

In a speech read on his behalf in Axim on Monday, August 4, 2026 to commemorate the formation of the UGCC, the NPP flagbearer said the tradition of Danquah, Busia and Dombo was built not just on slogans but on principles meant to shape how the country is governed.

“Through Danquah, Busia, Dombo and those who stood with them, that tradition came to represent certain firm ideas: respect for the individual, government under law, democratic accountability, private enterprise, social responsibility and a Ghana held together by equal citizenship,” Dr. Bawumia stated.

The former Vice President stressed that those values cannot remain on paper. 

“These values were never meant to be framed and hung on a wall. They were meant to guide public choices.”

He explained that the UGCC’s understanding of freedom goes far beyond elections. 

“Freedom, for example, is not only the freedom to vote. It is the freedom to speak without fear, to worship according to one’s conscience, to build a lawful business, and to expect fair treatment from the State.”

On justice, Dr Bawumia said the rule of law must be practical and equal for all. 

“The rule of law is not a phrase for lawyers. It is the assurance that a poor person and a powerful person will meet the same law.”

He also redefined his commitment to enterprise, saying it was never about ignoring hardship. 

“Enterprise is not indifference to hardship. It is the belief that when people are given opportunity, skills and a fair system, they can create prosperity for themselves and for others.”

Dr Bawumia also noted that while those ideas remain timeless, their credibility depends on action. 

“Those ideas remain relevant. But if we want Ghanaians to believe that they still define us, they must be visible in the way we behave, the way we organize and the solutions we offer.”

The address in Axim forms part of activities to mark UGCC Founding Day, a day the NPP uses to reflect on the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition and its relevance to modern Ghana.

Dr Bawumia added that for democracy to deliver real freedom, Ghanaians must see respect for individual rights and equal justice and economic opportunity reflected in the daily conduct of the leaders and institutions.