The Leader of the Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has strongly criticized the recent declaration made by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Ghana concerning a presidential debate for the 2024 elections.
It is completely unacceptable that the IEA would make such an announcement without engaging or informing the National Democratic Congress, one of the major political parties in Ghana.
The former President, who is eager to regain power, accused the IEA of being a front for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and attempting to influence the electoral process in favor of the ruling party.
Mr. Mahama’s reaction comes after the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) revealed plans to hold a debate before the 2024 elections, involving several political parties intending to run.
They argue that such debates are crucial for voters to assess both presidential and vice-presidential candidates, allowing for informed decision-making.
This development arises amidst a clear disagreement between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the necessity of holding debates.
The flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has challenged his counterpart from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, to a debate ahead of this year’s election.
However, the NDC believes that such a debate is unnecessary, contending that the real issues are evident in the difficult economic conditions that Ghanaians are currently facing.
In response to the IEA announcement, the Spokesperson for the Mahama Campaign Team, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, expressed disappointment in a statement, stating that the Constitution of Ghana does not authorize the IEA to organize election-related activities.
The fact that the IEA has not shown the decency or respect to at least inform the NDC of its plans raises serious questions about its motives. The IEA is acting as a front for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and seeks to manipulate the electoral process in favor of the ruling party.
It is important to remind the IEA and the Ghanaian public that the NDC, led by our presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama and running mate Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, has been engaging with the citizenry for many years. Mahama’s online and offline conversations have targeted a wide range of audiences and focused on addressing the needs and concerns of the people of Ghana.
Our well-planned engagements with various sectors of society across the country have been and continue to be extremely beneficial to the people of Ghana. This being the case, we caution the IEA against using the NDC’s name to promote their activities, as this is a blatant attempt to misrepresent our party deliberately.
The NDC assured Ghanaians that they should have confidence in their dedication to engaging meaningfully and respectfully with the people of Ghana without any doubt.
IMANI Center for Policy and Education has extended invitations to the flagbearers of the two main political parties for a political debate leading up to the 2024 general elections.
A recent Facebook post by IMANI revealed that they have received a response from the office of John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while they are still awaiting a response from Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
We have invited the leadership of the two leading political parties for a debate. The flagbearers, General Secretaries, and Chairmen. We have had a reply from John Dramani Mahama’s office- tentative though, and we wait. Yet to hear from Dr Bawumia and his team.
On June 27, 2024, in a correspondence directed to Dr. Bawumia, Franklin Cudjoe, the Founder and CEO of IMANI, mentioned that further information regarding the event, such as the specific date and location, will be provided in due course.
I trust this letter finds you. On behalf of the IMANI Center for Policy and Education, I am pleased to extend a formal invitation to your esteemed party (The New Patriotic Party) to participate in the upcoming National Election Debate. A schedule of the event’s date and venue will be communicated to your office soon. The debate aims to provide a critical platform for the major political parties in Ghana to present their policies and vision to the electorate in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.
IMANI considers that a national discussion offers a priceless chance for political parties to express their stances on crucial matters, enhance transparency, and interact with voters in a substantial manner.
The forthcoming elections represent a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic journey. As a think tank committed to fostering informed public discourse and democratic engagement, IMANI believes that a national debate offers an invaluable opportunity for political parties to articulate their positions on key issues, promote transparency, and engage with voters on a substantive level.
