Veteran journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has slammed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his recent public commentary, especially his statements on who would succeed him as president.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the Good Morning Ghana programme, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Pratt Jnr asserted that politicians, especially the president, cannot speak any way they want just because it is an election year.
He added that politicians must be circumspect about the ramifications of their statements and President Akufo-Addo, as a seasoned politician, must know the potential chaos his utterances can lead to.
“I completely reject the thinking that there is something called the political season and that once you enter that season, leaders can make any statement, whether the statements are foolish, whether the statements violate the national constitution, or whether the statements promote chaos and so on, it is okay.
“… when it comes to determining who takes over from him, that is the preserve of the people of Ghana. So, when he comes and makes statements like, 'I would not hand over power to so and so,' it is not only offensive but it amounts to instigating an insurrection,” he said.
The veteran journalist also said that the president has no power in determining who will succeed him because only the people of Ghana can choose their next leader.
“What if the people of Ghana disagree with the president and he is only one out of 32 million people? So, if the people disagree with him and vote for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, who is he to say 'I am going to hand over' or 'I’m not going to hand over'? It does not lie in his mouth,” he added.
He urged the leadership of the ruling New Patriotic Party, particularly the party’s flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to advise the president to stop making such public commentaries because his statements have great impact on the party's campaign.
What Akufo-Addo Said:
President Akufo-Addo, while addressing supporters at a mini rally at Doboro in the Greater Accra Region, repeated his assertion that the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, former President John Dramani Mahama, cannot be the person to succeed him.
He said that the NDC flagbearer would destroy all the gains his government has made if he came into power again, a 3news.com report stated.
“The registration has started; I urge all persons yet to register to do so, your vote is your power.
“I can't hand over to someone I defeated twice and who is not happy with everything I do; he will destroy the work that I have done,” he said.
He added, “Vote for Dr Bawumia; I have worked with him for the past seven and a half years, I have confidence in him, I know he can continue the good work.”
Watch Kwesi Pratt Jnr's remarks in the video below:
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