The Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA) says it will organize presidential and vice presidential debates ahead of the 2024 elections.
The debates, it says, form part of its efforts to promote issue-based elections in the country and will give candidates an opportunity to present their policy ideas as well as punch holes into the proposals of their counterparts while proffering alternatives.
Spelling out the modalities for the debates, it states, “our moderators will pose questions to the candidates based on submissions received from the public on various thematic areas including the economy, governance, natural resources, agriculture, education, health, labour, gender, children, youth, and other social issues”.
The IEA encourages candidates of the various political parties to take advantage of the platform to enlighten the populace about their policy ideas aimed at addressing the country’s developmental challenges.
The institute, in a statement, added that, “The timelines for the debates will be announced at the launch of IEA’s election activities”.
This announcement comes on the back of a challenge for debate the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP’s) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has thrown at the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC’s) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.
Dr. Bawumia expressed his readiness to debate Mr. Mahama on their track records in the various sectors of the economy and called on him (Mr. Mahama) to accept his challenge.
Though Mr. Mahama has yet to formally indicate his position on the challenge thrown at him, his party has objected to their leader involving in any such debate with the NPP’s flagbearer.
The NDC argue that such engagement is not in the interest of the country and has called on Dr. Bawumia to rather focus on addressing the myriad of challenges Ghanaians are bedevilled with.
