Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jr., has launched scathing criticism against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of betraying President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s trust in his quest for the presidency.
Pratt’s remarks come in response to recent comments made by Dr Bawumia, which Mr Pratt interprets as a deliberate attempt to distance himself from the Akufo-Addo administration.
Expressing his concerns during a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo program on February 6, 2024, Pratt asserted that Bawumia’s recent statements suggest a conscious effort to disassociate himself from the Akufo-Addo government. Pratt highlighted Bawumia’s remarks about being a “driver’s mate” and an “assistant headmaster” as indicative of this distancing strategy.
Pratt emphasized that Bawumia had been deeply involved in all aspects of the government and was privy to key decision-making processes. Therefore, Pratt questioned Bawumia’s attempt to portray himself as merely a subordinate figure within the administration. He argued that if Bawumia felt certain policies needed correction, he should have addressed them directly rather than attempting to deflect blame onto President Akufo-Addo.
“Akufo-Addo brought you from outside the party, supported you in all aspects, and now, at the last minute, because you want to become president, you have betrayed him by saying you are taking a new path and claiming to be an assistant headmaster, which is a complete betrayal,” Pratt remarked during the discussion.
Pratt further criticized Bawumia’s ambiguity regarding his role within the government, suggesting that if Bawumia acknowledges his responsibilities as vice president, there would be no issue. However, Pratt argued that Bawumia’s recent statements raise questions about his loyalty and commitment to the Akufo-Addo administration.
Bawumia’s previous statements, including likening his role to that of an “assistant headmaster” and expressing his own vision and priorities for governance, were cited by Pratt as evidence of Bawumia’s ambitions to pursue the presidency independently of President Akufo-Addo.