It’s senseless, wasteful to congratulate Mahama in newspapers in a ‘broke’ Ghana — Pratt criticizes public institutions

Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has lambasted state institutions for spending significant sums on full-page newspaper advertisements to congratulate President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Pratt described the gesture as wasteful and senseless, especially given Ghana’s current economic struggles.

"I’ve noticed full-page color adverts in the newspapers from state institutions congratulating the president and vice president. It’s a waste,” he stated.

Pratt questioned the logic behind these huge expenditures when Ghana grapples with a financial crisis and ballooning debt.

“We are a debt-ridden country, yet state institutions are engaging in such needless spending. What benefit does it bring to the nation? It’s disgusting and an eyesore,” he fumes.

Instead, Pratt suggested that these institutions show their support for the new leadership by focusing on improving their operations and achieving results.

“If you want to show love to the president, work hard to improve the institutions you’re managing. That’s a meaningful display of support—not wasting money on full-page color adverts that serve no purpose,” he argued.

Pratt further called for a more prudent approach to managing state resources, especially in challenging economic times.

“We have to understand that the country is facing hardships so do things that are necessary and not engage in needless things. The amount for these full-page color adverts is exorbitant. Did their various budgets include these adverts? What a mess,” he concluded.