Is Akufo-Addo that rich? – Kwesi Pratt quizzes Ursula Owusu

Kwesi Pratt Jnr, a veteran journalist and Managing Editor of The Insight Newspaper, has questioned Ursula Owusu. She recently defended former President Akufo-Addo on Facebook.

Pratt noted that Owusu claimed Akufo-Addo personally paid 127 members of parliament. This was after the state had already compensated them. He then asked if Akufo-Addo was truly that wealthy.

Speaking on Peace FM, Pratt said, “Ursula Owusu has spoken well. She mentioned that during Akufo-Addo's presidency, he paid 127 MPs personally.” He added that this suggests Akufo-Addo had significant funds available.

Owusu also stated that what Akufo-Addo paid the MPs exceeded state payments. She claimed he provided funds whenever the party needed support.

Pratt warned that such statements from NPP members could harm the party. He said, “What they are doing is collapsing their party.”

His comments followed Owusu-Ekuful’s remarks to NPP members criticizing Akufo-Addo for the party's defeat in the 2024 elections. She questioned if the NPP was worth supporting if they did not appreciate his efforts.

Owusu revealed that Akufo-Addo held the party together for eight years in opposition and government. He financed all party structures monthly during this time.

In her Facebook post, she thanked those blaming him for their defeat. She expressed confidence they would have credited him if they had won.

She emphasized that Akufo-Addo aimed to hand over power to an NPP president. She highlighted his financial support for constituencies and regions every month for eight years.

Owusu criticized claims that he wanted to destroy the party he helped build. She pointed out his contributions to education, job creation, and infrastructure development.

She defended his legacy by stating he accepted blame despite his sacrifices for democracy and law. Many blamed him because not everyone received government appointments.

Owusu concluded by questioning if the NPP was worth supporting if they did not recognize people like Akufo-Addo’s efforts.