Veteran journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has cautioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over recent public comments, especially his statements on his possible successor.
The president is on record to have stated twice that he would not hand over to someone he had defeated twice at the polls, referring to former president John Dramani Mahama.
While speaking during a panel discussion on the Good Morning Ghana programme, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Pratt disagreed with the particular comment stressing that it was not for the president to decide his successor.
“… 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.
He pointed out that the next president would be decided by millions of voters, of which Akufo-Addo has a single vote.
The Insight Newspaper Managing Editor expressed worry that close aides to the president did not seem to realise the impact of such comments on the president and the governing party’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections.
“How come those close to him are not drawing his attention to the fact that he is doing a lot of damage to himself, his legacy and the ambitions of his Vice President?” Pratt quizzed.
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: