President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has thrown a public challenge to Former President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to face Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in a national debate ahead of the upcoming December elections.
Speaking to chiefs in Tamale on Wednesday, October 16, President Akufo-Addo called on Mr. Mahama to stop avoiding what he described as a necessary confrontation with Dr. Bawumia, stressing the significance of public discourse in shaping Ghana’s democratic landscape.
For some time, Dr. Bawumia and other leading figures of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been requesting a debate with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, but their requests have been met with refusal.
The NDC has repeatedly stated that its candidate, Mr. Mahama, would not participate in any debate with the Vice President.
President Akufo-Addo, however, maintained that a debate between the two leaders is essential to clarify their positions on critical national issues, particularly on policies such as the Free Senior High School initiative.
"We need someone who is reliable, whose work can be trusted, who is consistent and clear-minded," President Akufo-Addo said.
"That is why we are saying, and indeed the majority of Ghanaians are saying, we want Mahama and Bawumia to debate the issues."
He further questioned Mahama’s reluctance, asking, "Why is John Mahama running away from the debate? The people of Ghana deserve to see this debate so they can decide who is truly addressing the nation’s needs."
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Mahama’s stance on key policies such as the Free SHS, pressing the former president to clarify his position.
"What is your position on Free Senior High School? Will you continue it, review it, or cancel it?" he asked.
"No one should be allowed to be president who cannot answer these questions clearly," he concluded, challenging Mahama to give Ghanaians straightforward answers.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
Comments