Ace journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr has voiced his concerns regarding the limited autonomy afforded to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the selection of his running mate for the upcoming elections.
Reportedly, over 10 influential figures within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are competing for the position, intensifying lobbying efforts across regional groups, particularly NPP opinion leaders in Greater Accra.
Supporters in the Greater Accra region specifically advocate for the presidential candidate to choose a Ga as the running mate.
However, Kwesi Pratt strongly criticized the emphasis on tribal considerations, asserting that competence should be the primary criterion. He labeled such lobbying practices as “foolishness” and questioned the significance of one’s tribal background, emphasizing the importance of intellectual capacity.
“Why are we indulging in tribalism? Whether the person is Ga or Frafra, what difference does it make? Let’s be serious!!! The main criteria should not be where the person is coming from but their capacity to think,” he exclaimed.
Kwesi Pratt expressed concern that the unnecessary pressure on the Vice President is detrimental to his candidacy for the 2024 general elections.
“This will not help Bawumia…why are you doing this to this man; no presidential candidate since 1992 has been treated this way. It’s as if Bawumia can’t make decisions of his own. Now we’ve got to the level of dictation; stop that,” he fumed.
The veteran journalist disclosed that a similar situation appears to be unfolding within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and called for an end to what he described as “foolishness” gripping all political parties.
Kwesi Pratt made these remarks during a panel discussion on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo.’