Kwesi Pratt, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, has rejected the claim made by government spokesperson Kofi Tonto that the 2024 elections will be a two-horse race between John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party.
Pratt objected to Tonto’s assertion during a discussion on Peace FM’s Kokroko program, where Tonto suggested that Mahama was the only alternative to Bawumia.
The debate emerged after Pratt challenged Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign strategy of making promises that, in his opinion, contradict the government’s stance.
Pratt believes that Bawumia’s decision to pursue a vision different from President Akufo-Addo’s is indicative of the government’s unpopularity.
As Pratt articulated his viewpoint, Kofi Tonto interjected, claiming that the government has outperformed the Mahama administration and that the promises being made are superior to what Mahama is offering Ghanaians for the 2024 elections.
Pratt dismissed what he saw as an attempt by Tonto to pigeonhole him into the NDC camp, asserting that he is not a staff member of the former president and should not be expected to advocate for him.
Pratt aimed to dissociate his argument from political bias, emphasizing that the 2024 elections involve more than two candidates, and he is speaking in the interest of all candidates, not just Mahama.
“I’m not called Joyce Bawa, so be careful when addressing me. Do I resemble Joyce Bawa? Observe my face closely; do I look like her?” he questioned.
Pratt argued that Bawumia’s decision to make promises at odds with the government’s policies suggests he believes the current government’s vision is flawed.
“What is so flawed about the past vision that he is distancing himself from it? If that vision were commendable, would he have abandoned it? His vision and the past vision are not aligned. What distinguishes his vision from that of President Akufo-Addo?” he inquired.
