Youth activist Ivan Kyei has criticised some presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing them as unfit to lead the country.

Speaking on Joy Prime’s political talk show Prime Insight on Saturday, he expressed concern about the party’s direction and questioned why its leadership is allowing certain individuals to contest for the flagbearer position.

According to him, some contenders have exhibited behaviour and character traits that are unbecoming of anyone seeking the highest office of the land.

“The presidency is a revered institution that should be occupied only by individuals who embody dignity, peace, and maturity—not those known for violent rhetoric or conduct,” he said.

Mr Kyei singled out Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong and Minister for Agriculture Bryan Acheampong as examples of aspirants with what he called “a very violent past.”

He wondered why the NPP, after suffering an electoral defeat, would rush into primaries instead of pausing for introspection and institutional reform.

“The presidential election doesn’t make sense after losing power. The party is in a deplorable state and needs to reflect, re-strategise, and reconnect with its base before thinking about electing a new leader,” he argued.

The activist likened the NPP’s situation to “a car involved in a serious accident whose owner refuses to take it to the mechanic for repairs but rather focuses on irrelevant matters.”

He also criticised the party’s recent “Thank You Tour,” which he claimed led to incidents that cost lives.

“That tour should have forced the party to slow down and rethink its approach, but instead, it appears they are ignoring the warning signs,” he said.

On Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is seen as a frontrunner, Kyei offered a cautious view.

While acknowledging that he appears the most presidential in demeanour among the aspirants, he argued that his record is weak.

“Dr. Bawumia promised to revive the economy, but during his tenure, the country’s condition worsened to the extent that we had to go to the IMF for a bailout,” he noted.

He added that under Bawumia’s stewardship, the Ghanaian cedi became one of the world’s worst-performing currencies, undermining his credibility as an economic manager.

“During his time, the economy was in the ditch. That cannot be ignored,” he stressed.

Mr Kyei further dismissed Bawumia’s touted achievements in digitalisation, saying there is little evidence of long-term impact.

“Even after shifting from the economy to digitalisation, he couldn’t sustain the infrastructure. What legacy is he leaving?” he asked.

He insisted that the NPP’s priority should be rebuilding trust with Ghanaians rather than rushing to elect a flagbearer.

“There should be an internal bridge between the party and its followers. You need to regain the people’s trust before thinking about elections,” he said.

Mr Kyei described the reforms needed as “plastic surgery” for the party—comprehensive internal restructuring to clean up its image.

He warned against the monetisation of politics, saying, “It is only in this country that people think you can become president just because you have money. That mentality must stop.”

He concluded by urging the NPP to prioritise dignity, humility, and service in selecting its next leader.

“Let’s stop reducing the presidency to something that can be bought. It’s about who is worthy of respect, who has the aura of leadership, and who can unite this country,” he said.

Prime Insight airs on Joy Prime every Saturday at 7 p.m., exploring issues of governance, party politics, and policy accountability.