Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to approach its upcoming presidential primaries with greater depth and seriousness, warning against reducing the process to a mere contest of popularity or eligibility.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, July 21, the veteran politician stressed that both the party and the country stand at a critical juncture, one that demands more than superficial box-checking of constitutional requirements.
“People are putting themselves forward simply because they meet the eligibility criteria set out in the party’s constitution or even the national constitution,” he noted. “But that alone is not enough.”
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s comments came in response to a question from host Evans Mensah, who pointed out that while the NPP’s expansion of its electoral college was intended to democratise the process, it may have inadvertently paved the way for monetisation of the primaries, with wealthier aspirants potentially swaying delegates.
“But you see,” the Suame MP continued, “we are not just looking at who qualifies. The real question is: who can and should lead?”
His remarks highlighted growing internal concern over the trajectory of the primaries, where the emphasis appears to be shifting from vision and leadership ability to campaign machinery and financial clout.
“We are not just looking for a flagbearer,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu asserted. “We are searching for a true presidential candidate — someone who is ready and able to lead this country.”
He recalled a similar moment of reflection in 2007, when 17 candidates competed to lead the party after President John Agyekum Kufuor’s tenure. At the time, senior party figure Kwame Pianim issued a stark reminder that remains relevant today.
“Kwame Pianim said something profound then: ‘People think we’re looking for a flagbearer. Any idiot can become a flagbearer. But that’s not what we need. We are looking for a president.’”
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s message was clear: the NPP must not lose sight of the bigger picture. With the stakes for 2024 high, the party’s choice must go beyond technical eligibility and focus instead on selecting a leader with the vision, competence, and character to govern.
