The necessity of a presidential debate in Ghana remains a topic of heated discussion. The Orange Sunrise, led by Mr. Alfa Ali, recently delved into this issue: the necessity of a presidential debate. In the studio to join this discussion were communication members from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on Orange FM on behalf of the NPP, Mr Archibald Gyasi expressed disappointment at former President John Mahama’s refusal to participate in the debate. He argued that this decision is a disservice to the Ghanaian people. “Mr. Mahama’s refusal to debate is a denial to the republic,” he stated firmly.
Moro Yakubu, a communications team member for the NDC, defended Mr. Mahama’s stance. Yakubu recounted the events of 2016 when then-presidential candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo refused to debate Mr Mahama. He suggested that the NDC take a cue from this incident. “If you are serving the good people of Ghana, it is not about what you say. It is not about empty talks,” Yakubu emphasized.
The conversation also touched on the recent budget review presented by the finance minister. Mr. Archibald Gyasi remarked, “In these challenging times, the things that as a government we need to put in place to ensure that we cushion the good people of Ghana are being done.”
Background
This debate stems from an invitation extended by the minority caucus to the NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to debate the NDC’s spokesperson on the economy rather than its flagbearer, John Mahama. The majority caucus, however, has urged former President Mahama to participate in the presidential election debate with Vice President Dr. Bawumia.
Earlier this week, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader, reiterated this call. Speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps at Parliament House in Accra, he stressed the importance of such a debate for the democratic process.
The call for a presidential debate in Ghana is not new. Debates are seen as a platform for candidates to present their policies, defend their records, and engage directly with their opponents. For many voters, debates provide a clearer picture of where candidates stand on various issues.
In the end, whether or not a presidential debate takes place, what remains paramount is the commitment of all political parties to serve the best interests of the Ghanaian people, fostering a political environment that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the well-being of the nation.
