The Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu Constituency, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has invited National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama to engage in a debate on national issues.
Speaking to the media the day after the mid-year budget review was presented by Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam in parliament on July 23, 2024, he emphasized the need for a debate instead of resorting to insults and name-calling.
According to the majority leader, former President Mahama should accept Dr. Bawumia’s invitation for a debate where they can discuss national issues.
He continued that if former President John Mahama claims Dr. Bawumia has not performed well as Vice President, then he should expose him through a debate.
He added that, debate would ensure decency in Ghanaian politics, bring out the best ideas in the political parties, and not resort to insults.
The presidential debate was first ignited by the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who dares the former President and flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, to a live presidential debate to explain their respective visions and policies to the people of Ghana.
Addressing thousands of his supporters in Bunkpurugu, North East Region, Dr. Bawumia expressed his eagerness for a debate with John Mahama on the economy, the country, and governance.
Responding to the call for presidential debate, the flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, stated that he has heard all the arguments about the debate. However, Dr. Bawumia must wait and become president before he can call him for a debate since he has only occupied the position of Vice President.
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) also announced plans to hold presidential and vice presidential debates as part of its election-year activities. Prior to the IEA’s announcement, Ghanaians were already having conversations about presidential debates in the well-known public square.
However, judging from NDC comments, it is clear they have no appetite for a presidential debate. The spokesperson for the John Mahama Campaign, Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari, also tweeted that there is nothing left to debate.
