Kwesi Pratt Jnr, the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, has stirred up a political storm with his recent remarks comparing the legendary Joseph Boakye Dankwa (JB Dankwa) to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
In a friendly exchange with Kwame Sefa-Kayi, Pratt confirmed his controversial comparison, explaining that he sees parallels between JB Dankwa’s role as the Eastern Regional Chairman of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and Chairman Wontumi’s position within the NPP. Pratt contends that both figures held regional leadership roles, which justifies the comparison in his view.
“JB Dankwa was instrumental in the UGCC’s activities in the Eastern Region, much like Chairman Wontumi’s in the Ashanti Region today,” Pratt argued, drawing a line between the historical and contemporary political landscapes.
However, this comparison has been met with sharp criticism from Nana Akomea, the Chief Executive Officer of the State Transport Corporation (STC), who has dismissed Pratt’s analogy as unfair and degrading. Akomea argues that JB Danquah was a vice chairman of the UGCC, not a regional chairman.
The comparison fails to hold water, Akomea said in a rebuttal. “JB Dankwa was a figure of immense intellectual stature and political sophistication. Chairman Wontumi, on the other hand, is known more for his sensationalist and often controversial approach to politics, which hardly aligns with Dankwa’s esteemed reputation. Akomea’s facial expression was one of disapproval.
The debate highlights a growing divide in the political discourse surrounding historical and contemporary figures. While Pratt’s comparison aims to draw a parallel between regional leadership roles, critics like Akomea underscore the stark differences in their styles and contributions.
As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen whether this comparison will impact public perception of these prominent political figures or simply add another layer to the ongoing debate about leadership and legacy in Ghanaian politics.
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