The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has emphasized the necessity of a debate before the 2024 elections, aiming to involve several political parties that intend to contest. According to the IEA, these debates are essential for voters to effectively assess both presidential and vice-presidential candidates, allowing for more informed decision-making.
This call for debate comes amidst a disagreement between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the need for such discussions. Professor Alexander Bilson Darku, a senior fellow at IEA, revealed in an interview with Citi News that initial engagements with various political parties have begun to organize a debate before December 7.
Professor Darku asserted, “The need for debate is the right of the people. The people of Ghana ought to know what their presidential candidate, and for that matter, the party they represent, have in stock for them.”
He further added that the IEA is in the early stages of discussions and will soon announce a detailed timetable for the debate.
Using Afrobarometer criteria, the IEA plans to streamline the participating parties and candidates. “This might be four or five parties, and their presidential candidates and vice-presidential candidates will be invited to participate in the debate,” stated Professor Darku.
The IEA aims to ensure that the debate timing is beneficial for both the parties involved and the nation as a whole.
