Youth activist Ivan Kyei has launched a strong critique against some presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), arguing that several of them are unfit to lead the country.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Insight on Saturday, Kyei raised concerns about the NPP’s leadership choices, questioning why individuals with questionable records are being allowed to contest for the party’s flagbearer slot.
“The presidency is a revered institution that should be occupied only by individuals who embody dignity, peace, and maturity, not those known for violent rhetoric or conduct,” he said.
Citing a “Violent Past”
Mr. Kyei singled out Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong and Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong, describing them as aspirants with “a very violent past.” He warned that elevating such figures undermines the credibility of the presidency.
He also criticised the NPP’s decision to rush into primaries after its electoral defeat, likening the party to “a car involved in a serious accident whose owner refuses to take it to the mechanic for repairs.”
Bawumia’s Record Under Scrutiny
On Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, widely considered a frontrunner, Kyei was cautious. While acknowledging his presidential demeanour, he argued that Bawumia’s record is weak.
“Dr. Bawumia promised to revive the economy, but during his tenure, the country’s condition worsened to the extent that we had to go to the IMF,” he noted, citing the cedi’s poor performance under his watch.
Kyei also dismissed Bawumia’s digitalisation drive, claiming its impact has been unsustainable. “Even after shifting from the economy to digitalisation, he couldn’t sustain the infrastructure. What legacy is he leaving?” he asked.
Call for Party Reforms
Kyei argued that the NPP should prioritise internal restructuring and rebuilding trust with Ghanaians before electing a new leader. He described the reforms needed as “plastic surgery” to clean up the party’s image.
He also cautioned against the monetisation of politics. “It is only in this country that people think you can become president just because you have money. That mentality must stop,” he said.
Choosing Leaders with Dignity
Concluding his remarks, the activist urged the NPP to prioritise leaders who embody humility, dignity, and the ability to unite the country.
“Let’s stop reducing the presidency to something that can be bought. It’s about who is worthy of respect, who has the aura of leadership, and who can unite this country,” he stressed.
Prime Insight airs on Joy Prime every Saturday at 7 p.m., focusing on governance, party politics, and policy accountability.
