Kwesi Pratt- a veteran Ghanaian journalist
Kwesi Pratt Jnr, a veteran journalist, has voiced strong criticism of Ghana’s Appointments Committee, suggesting that the ministerial vetting process has devolved into a farcical display. During an appearance on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, he expressed his frustration over what he perceives as frivolous questioning that detracts from the seriousness of the vetting process.
Pratt shared a notable example where a ministerial nominee was asked about their TikTok activity instead of relevant qualifications. “I watched as they asked him, ‘Oh, we know you are a TikToker. Before coming here, did you post anything?’” he recounted, incredulous at the lack of focus on important issues. “I thought maybe they had seen a post that was relevant to his character or work. But no! It was nothing like that. I sat there watching and asked myself, ‘What a joke! What is this about?’”
His critique didn’t stop there. Pratt also highlighted instances where nominees were asked to sing songs during their vetting sessions. “Another nominee was asked to name his favorite song. He answered, and they told him to sing it! My goodness! What is that? Is the vetting process now a talent hunt?” he questioned, bewildered by the absurdity of the inquiries.
He recalled past occurrences where nominees were prompted to sing church hymns or even the national anthem. “A nominee was told, ‘You go to church? You must know hymns. Sing your favorite hymn.’ Another was asked to sing the national anthem. What is happening?” he asked, expressing disbelief over these unnecessary requests.
Pratt dismissed the argument that such light-hearted questions could help nominees relax. He argued that ministers must handle stress effectively. “If someone nominated for a ministerial position becomes so nervous before the Appointments Committee that you have to make them sing a hymn to relax, then they are not qualified to be ministers,” he asserted. “The job of a minister involves a lot of stress. If they can’t handle it, they shouldn’t be there,” He concluded.
