7th July 2024 9:49:45 AM
3 mins readTensions flared between Dennis Miracles, a member of the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia campaign team and Editor-in-Chief of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt, during a conversation on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show on Friday, July 5.
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The heated exchange centered on Mr. Pratt's critique of the New Patriotic Party's choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as their running mate for the upcoming December elections.
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Mr. Pratt opened the discussion by raising concerns voiced by MP Andy Appiah-Kubi about Dr. Opoku Prempeh's suitability for the role, emphasizing the need for a candidate who resonates deeply with grassroots constituents.
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Hon. Andy Appiah-Kubi remarked, "If it were my decision to make, I wouldn’t select him. He is not my preference… I would prefer someone who is transparent with the people on the ground, capable of securing votes, willing to align with the presidency, and instrumental in bridging the gap between Parliament and the Executive."
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Earlier in the program, Dennis Miracles criticized Kwesi Pratt for what he saw as double standards, accusing Mr. Pratt of pretending to be neutral while secretly supporting the NDC and trying to influence young people against NAPO and the NPP.
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Later, the seasoned journalist challenged Dennis Miracles regarding his claim of an endorsement by a professor from the University of Cape Coast who had collaborated with NPP running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO).
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In response, Dennis Miracles passionately defended Dr. Opoku Prempeh's credentials and referenced endorsements, sparking a vigorous debate.
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Accusations of bias and misrepresentation were traded back and forth, with Dennis Miracles highlighting Dr. Opoku Prempeh's track record of compassionate leadership through various social initiatives.
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"In fact, if you look at those who backed the NDC in their propaganda, misinformation, and bias against the NPP under President Kufuor, Uncle Kwesi is among them, and we will not tolerate it... The new NPP will not allow anyone to deceive us. We will present the facts. We will address the issues," he declared during the "Kokrokoo" morning show on Peace FM.
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Discussing the qualities of Dr. Opoku Prempeh, Dennis responded, "Only a compassionate leader could decide to sponsor the education of 100,000 children from low-income families. Only a compassionate leader would do that. Only a compassionate leader would offer free medical treatment to children under 18 with kidney problems. Only a compassionate leader would do that.
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"Only a compassionate leader would recognize that eliminating teacher and nurse allowances would harm the less fortunate; only a compassionate leader would do that. Therefore, Uncle Kwesi is completely mistaken in downplaying NAPO's reputation as a compassionate leader. He is mistaken!"
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"We will not allow him to deceive us. We will evaluate NAPO for ourselves... Ghanaians will not be fooled by this; we have seen this tactic before. He only speaks out when the NPP is in power," he retorted to Kwesi Pratt.
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The exchange became increasingly intense, punctuated by interruptions and pointed rebuttals, culminating in Mr. Pratt reproaching Dennis Miracles for what he perceived as disrespectful behavior during the discussion.
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"The professor from the International Department of the University of Cape Coast did not claim to speak on behalf of UTAG or NAGRAT; he expressed his personal opinion. However, Miracles, while discussing the professor's comments, added that all teacher unions supported his statement," Pratt clarified.
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However, the NPP activist interjected, asserting that Mr. Pratt was misrepresenting his statements.
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"I did not say that. I am here; let me clarify what I said," he protested.
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Enraged by Dennis' interruption, the seasoned journalist sought to silence him and commanded, "Young man, be quiet and let me finish."
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However, equally incensed, Miracles refused to yield and accused Mr. Pratt of distorting his words.
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"I did not say that. Let me correct you because you are lying. I did not say what you are accusing me of. I will not sit here and allow you to lie to my face; it will not work," he responded.
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Clearly provoked by the disrespectful behavior and frequent interruptions from the "youthful" NPP activist, Kwesi Pratt sternly reprimanded him.
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"Hey, listen, you need to stop… I will not tolerate your misbehavior in this studio… You cannot behave this way here… every participant invited to join a discussion (on Kokrokoo) must conduct themselves respectfully, without insults… but your conduct is completely unacceptable… you are being disrespectful. You are not my equal," a charged Kwesi Pratt declared.
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