Kwesi Pratt Fires Warning Shot at NDC Presidential Hopefuls: “Some Are Not Fit to Be President”

Veteran journalist questions the character, wisdom and judgment of some contenders as NDC presidential race gathers momentum

Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of The Insight, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has sparked a fresh political debate after questioning the suitability of some individuals seeking the presidential ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo, Pratt expressed reservations about the character, wisdom and manner of communication of some of the aspirants positioning themselves for Ghana’s highest political office.

‘Why Do Some of Them Want to Be President?’

In unusually blunt remarks, Pratt suggested that the conduct and temperament of some presidential hopefuls should raise questions about their readiness for the presidency.

He argued that some aspirants’ character, judgment and manner of speaking could make Ghanaians question why they believe they are suitable to occupy the highest office of the land.

His comments come as the NDC’s internal political environment increasingly focuses on the personalities and credentials of potential successors to President John Dramani Mahama.

Pratt: I Have Interacted With Every Presidential Candidate Since 1992

Pratt also sought to place his assessment within his long experience covering Ghanaian politics.

He said that since the return to constitutional rule in 1992, he has interacted with every presidential candidate, giving him a lengthy perspective from which to assess political figures and their preparedness for high office.

His intervention therefore goes beyond the current NDC contest, touching on broader questions about the qualities Ghanaians should demand from people seeking the presidency.

‘Political Appointments Must Be Based on Merit’

The veteran journalist also turned his attention to the issue of political appointments.

According to Pratt, the practice of presidents appointing government officials can become problematic when political considerations and the need to “balance equations” take precedence over competence and merit.

He cautioned against creating an environment where individuals appointed to ministerial or other senior positions begin to believe that holding public office makes them inherently superior to ordinary citizens.

Character, Wisdom and Temperament Under the Spotlight

Pratt’s intervention effectively puts three issues at the centre of the NDC’s emerging presidential conversation:

• Character
• Wisdom and judgment
• Communication and temperament

For him, winning a party’s presidential nomination should not simply be about political popularity or ambition. The individual must also demonstrate the qualities required to lead an entire country.

NDC Race Faces Growing Scrutiny

With internal discussions about the NDC’s future leadership gaining momentum, Pratt’s comments are likely to intensify scrutiny of the party’s potential presidential contenders.

The remarks also raise a broader question for NDC delegates and Ghanaian voters: Is every politically ambitious individual necessarily ready to become President?

For Pratt, the answer appears to be a firm no.

As the race gradually takes shape, the aspirants will face not only competition from within their party but also increasingly intense public examination of their record, temperament, judgment and suitability for the presidency.

The NDC presidential race may be about to get much more personal—and much more heated.