A Presidential hopeful of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku has criticised Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s handling of Ghana’s economy.
He refuted claims that holding Dr Bawumia accountable for the country’s economic performance was unnecessary, stating that it is essential to evaluate the vice president’s record to assess his suitability for leading the nation.
Speaking to Accra-based Citi News, Dr Apraku emphasized that politics is a competition of ideas and visions, and it is vital to scrutinize candidates’ records to make informed decisions.
“There is no problem (calling out Dr Bawumia). We are dealing with reality. If you are a messiah and you cannot heal your home; what kind of a messiah are you?
“I think this is completely acceptable. This is politics, we’re competing. Politics is a competition of ideas; your idea against my idea, your vision against my vision. And in that interrogation, everything should be opened,” he said.
The presidential hopeful underscored his commitment to avoid tribal politicking and personal attacks in the campaign, asserting that the focus should remain on the candidates’ records and visions for the nation.
“I would resent it if somebody was talking about ethnicity; I would resent it if somebody personalises the campaign – those haven’t surfaced. But when we are looking at our records, obviously if you want to govern his country and you have been involved in anything that comes close to governing the country, we have the right to examine how you have handed it,” he said.
The party’s presidential primaries, scheduled for August and November 2023, will see ten contenders vying for the flagbearer position. In August 2023, a super delegate conference will be held to reduce the number of candidates to five, while the primaries proper will occur in November 2023 to select the NPP’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.
The ten candidates include Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, energy expert Kwadwo Poku, Essikado-Ketan MP Joe Ghartey and former Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto.
The rest include former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, MP for Assin Central Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former MP for Offinso North Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, and former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko.
