Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has issued a strong caution to the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as it prepares to select its 2028 presidential candidate, warning against prioritizing mere eligibility over true leadership qualities.

Speaking exclusively on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, the respected party stalwart stressed that Ghana’s challenges demand more than just a candidate who meets basic constitutional requirements.

“We are not just looking for a flagbearer,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu declared. “We are looking for a president – someone who can actually govern this nation effectively.”

The Suame MP’s comments come amid growing concerns about the nature of the NPP’s presidential primaries, particularly regarding:

✔ The monetization of the process in the party’s expanded electoral college system
✔ An overemphasis on eligibility criteria rather than leadership capability
✔ The risk of selecting a candidate who may win the primaries but fail in the general election

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu recalled veteran NPP figure Kwame Pianim’s famous 2007 warning during the party’s last competitive succession race:

“As for the flagbearership, any idiot could become the flagbearer. But we need a president who can actually lead this country.”

The former Majority Leader’s intervention comes at a crucial moment for the NPP as it seeks to:

• Break the eight-year election cycle that has alternated power between parties
• Address growing public skepticism about political leadership quality
• Select a candidate capable of uniting the party and appealing to swing voters

Political analysts suggest Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s remarks may influence the upcoming primaries by:

✓ Elevating debates about candidate quality beyond mere qualifications
✓ Putting pressure on aspirants to demonstrate governing competence
✓ Encouraging delegates to consider electability in their voting decisions

Party insiders confirm the leadership is taking these concerns seriously as they finalize plans for the presidential primaries expected later this year.