The Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Dr John Kwakye has announced that the think tank will soon unveil its flagship Presidential and Vice-presidential debates for the 2024 elections.
Dr Kwakye encouraged the candidates to take advantage of the debates to inform Ghanaians of their policies to address the country’s challenges.
“The IEA is far advanced in its preparations to reorganise its flagship Presidential and Vice-presidential Debates.
“The Institute encourages the candidates to take advantage of the debates to inform Ghanaians of their policies to address the country’s challenges,” he write on his X platform.
Thsicomes at a time when the flagebarer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia had dared former President and flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama, for a live presidential debate to explain their respective visions and policies to the people of Ghana.
Addressing thousands of his supporters last night in Bunkpurugu, North East Region, Dr. Bawumia said he was eagerly waiting for a debate with Mahama, but he was less optimistic that would happen because Mahama is “running away.”
“I am looking forward to a debate with John Mahama on the economy, on the country on the governance,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“But I am afraid that he is running away from a debate. His people say he doesn’t want to debate. I have never heard an opposition leader who doesn’t want to debate. But he knows I will expose the emptiness of his policies,” the NPP flagbearer added.
Dr. Bawumia added that former President Mahama and his team are unable to explain their 24-hour economy to Ghanaians, adding that the former President is avoiding a debate because he will be exposed.
“He says he has a 24-hour economy which he cannot explain. It is as empty as an empty barrel. He cannot explain it and none of his people can explain it. They say they will be exporting lions and elephants.”
“When we meet mano a mano, we can debate, and the country will see where our policies lie and that is where we should go. We should give the country an opportunity to listen to us. If he chooses not to debate, I’ll continue to sell my policies,” he said.
In advanced democracies, presidential debates are firmly rooted as part of the electoral process.
Many, including civil society groups, have called for a debate between the two leading candidates of the election, for Ghanaians to listen to them on their policies and vision for the country.
With Vice President Bawumia throwing the challenge, the ball is now in the court of former President Mahama.
