Kwesi Pratt cries for Mahama’s lame duck leadership

Veteran journalist and political commentator Kwesi Pratt Jnr has reportedly expressed disappointment in President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, describing him as a leader struggling to firmly enforce his policies within government while alleging that some of his own appointees are undermining his administration.

According to comments made during Alhaji and Alhaji programme on Pan African television, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper and known sympathiser of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) suggested that President Mahama’s difficulties stem partly from individuals within his administration who are allegedly failing to support his vision and policy direction.

Rather, he said the appointees are already angling to take over from him making him a lame duck president. “The betrayer of President Mahama is monumental”. The president, he claimed cannot crack the whip, because he has been held hostage.

Pratt argued that some officials appointed by the President have instead contributed to weakening the effectiveness of the government, creating public dissatisfaction and internal governance challenges.

His remarks come at a time when political discussions continue to intensify over the performance of the Mahama administration following its return to office, with sections of the public and political observers closely monitoring the implementation of campaign promises under the government’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda.

The outspoken journalist has often defended the NED on major national issues. His latest comments, therefore, are likely to generate debate within political circles, especially among supporters of the governing party.

Pratt suggested that certain controversies surrounding government officials have unintentionally drawn more public attention and criticism to the administration, while also increasing public scrutiny of personalities linked to the government.

Although the exact context of some remarks in the widely circulated clip remains unclear, the discussion appeared to reflect broader concerns about communication, internal coordination, and political management within government.

The comments also add to growing public discourse regarding the performance of political appointees and the ability of the Mahama administration to maintain discipline and cohesion within its governing structure.

Since assuming office, President Mahama has introduced a number of governance and institutional reforms, including the signing of new legislation aimed at strengthening accountability, improving public sector oversight, and enhancing governance systems.

Among recent measures announced by the President are the Legal Education Act, the Governance Advisory Council Act, and the Value for Money Office Act, all of which government says are intended to strengthen institutions and improve public confidence in governance.

However, like previous administrations, the government has also faced criticism from opponents and some commentators over issues relating to appointments, economic management, and the pace of implementation of key policies.