Kwesi Pratt ‘clashes’ with Okudzeto Ablakwa over performance of NDC MPs in Parliament

Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr has expressed divergence at views by Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on the performance of the minority caucus in Parliament.

The topic of how NDC MPs have fared in 2022 came up during a townhall meeting by Pan African TV on Saturday, December 24, 2022.

Kwesi Pratt and Ablakwa were panellists on the over three-hour show that discussed major issues in the country.

Okudzeto Ablakwa asked about the performance of the Haruna Iddrisu Caucus attempted to clarify what he contends was an erroneous impression by the general public that the Minority MPs have been in bed with government and not done enough to protect the interest of Ghanaians.

Ablakwa posited that the narrative that the NDC MPs are not doing enough is an orchestration of the New Patriotic Party to make the NDC MPs share blame for the mishaps of the Akufo-Addo administration.

Whiles admitting there have been times when he has had reasons to be unhappy with the caucus, Ablakwa said the NDC MPs have generally been good.

He argued that with the NPP having a slim advantage in terms of the numbers, it will always be difficult for the NDC MPs to have their way as it will always come down to the numbers.

But Kwesi Pratt countered Ablakwa’s views and the attempt to hold brief for his colleagues.

Pratt protested that despite being disadvantaged by the numbers, the minority caucus has not done enough to champion the interest of Ghanaians.

Below is the brief banter

Pratt: When people say that NDC MPs can do better, it is true. They can do better than they are doing now. We are told that the first part of the budget is principles and policy, who said that you cannot shoot down principles and policies.

Okudzeto: You know better than that. We don’t have the numbers .

Pratt: You can always call for balloting after the voice vote but you didn’t.

Okudzeto: Because they were more than us. They accounted for their members.

Pratt: People who criticize NDC MPs may not necessarily vote for NPP but they want the good of the country and the NPP. I have been watching Parliament and in all honesty, If I’m to mention my top five MPs, I would mention Okudzeto Ablakwa. He’s done so well and his record is clear but Sammy becareful not to defend the indefensible, it will take away from your credit. Not all your colleagues are like you. You cannot criticize them in public but don’t defend them.

Okudzeto: I still think that it will be unfair to blame us especially when we do not have the numbers.