Accra: Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has criticized the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, following his remarks about being ready to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and contest for the presidency if given the opportunity.
According to Ghana Web, Pratt expressed that the minister's comments were an act of indiscipline, especially at a time when party leaders have urged members to focus on the government's agenda rather than succession politics. Speaking on Pan African TV on June 4, 2026, Pratt conveyed his disappointment in Eric Opoku's comments.
Pratt recalled a recent statement by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President, cautioning political actors against engaging in premature succession discussions. He emphasized that the statement represented the position of President John Dramani Mahama. Pratt remarked that the issue had been discussed at a meeting attended by senior NDC figures, including the party's Council of Elders.
Pratt further added that President Mahama was present at the meeting where a decision was made for party members to focus on governance and the NDC's reset agenda. He questioned why Eric Opoku would publicly express presidential ambitions shortly after such a meeting, labeling it an act of indiscipline.
Pratt urged the President to take decisive action, arguing that warnings alone are no longer sufficient. He cited former President John Agyekum Kufuor as an example of a leader who acted against ministers who failed to follow directives.
The comments arose after Eric Opoku, in an interview on Asempa FM on June 2, 2026, stated he was open to leading the NDC and the country if party members considered him the best person for the job. Opoku explained that his commitment to politics was to serve, and he was open to any good opportunity that politics might offer.