Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia recently challenged former President John Mahama to engage in a debate, claiming Mahama is avoiding it out of fear.
Bawumia argued that Mahama’s reluctance stems from his awareness that his statements are well-supported by factual data.
“If you believe in yourself, come for a debate. He is scared because he knows I back my statements with data,” he said.
During a campaign event in Accra on September 16, Bawumia criticized Mahama for allegedly spreading misinformation.
He called on Mahama to show respect and engage in a civil debate rather than resorting to derogatory comments about religious leaders, civil society organizations, and traditional authorities.
Bawumia expressed concern that Mahama’s remarks diminish the respect associated with his previous role and undermine the unity and progress these groups contribute to.
“You all know I am competing with the former president to win this election. I think he has realised that he will lose the elections so he is always angry. I heard he insulted some pastors, chiefs, imam and CSOs saying they are hypocrites. He even insulted the ECG.”
“Today he said the NPP is a foolish government. Why would a former president say something like this? We must have some level of decency in the language we speak as politicians.”
Bawumia took issue with Mahama’s recent insults directed at the NPP government and other entities, questioning why a former president would use such language.
“When you lack ideas, you begin to insult people but when you have ideas you present them. As for us, we have bold solutions to problems,” he said.
He emphasized that political discourse should focus on policy and constructive debate rather than personal attacks.
In his defense of the NPP government, Bawumia highlighted their achievements, asserting that their administration has made significant advancements in job creation, infrastructure, and public services compared to the previous government.
“You said we are a foolish government but we have created more jobs than your government, we have built more roads, interchanges, schools, factories, and hospitals than your government. Every sector of the economy that you can mention, we have done better but you are saying we are foolish.”
He dismissed Mahama’s criticism as unsubstantiated, emphasizing that the current government has delivered more on various fronts.