Kwesi Pratt Jnr., a veteran journalist and Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, has strongly criticized the decision of state institutions to spend large sums on full-page advertisements congratulating President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as per reports from Modern Ghana on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Pratt, speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show on January 14, 2025, described the advertisements as “wasteful” and “senseless,” especially considering the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
The renowned journalist raised concerns about the practicality of such spending in a nation struggling with a severe financial crisis and mounting national debt.
“We are a debt-ridden country, yet state institutions are engaging in such needless spending,” Pratt remarked, expressing his disapproval of the extravagant expenditure.
He called for a more responsible approach to managing state resources, emphasizing that supporting the president and vice president should extend beyond symbolic gestures like full-page adverts.
Instead, he urged public institutions to focus on tangible outcomes. “If you want to show love to the president, work hard to improve the institutions you’re managing,” Pratt suggested, highlighting the importance of results-driven support over wasteful spending.
Pratt’s comments came at a time when Ghana’s economic situation is causing significant strain on the government’s budget, and many citizens are calling for greater fiscal discipline.
He also questioned whether the funds allocated for the advertisements were properly accounted for in the budgets of these institutions.
In his closing remarks, Pratt stressed the need for the country to prioritize essential spending and avoid unnecessary luxuries during such tough economic times.