Former Deputy Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has vowed to organize a protest against former President John Dramani Mahama if he declines to debate Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mr Anyidoho stated that while Mahama himself has not directly addressed the debate challenge from Dr. Bawumia, associates of the former president have indicated that they do not see the need for such a debate.
He emphasized his readiness to lead a “No Debate, No Presidency” demonstration once Mahama publicly rejects the debate proposal.
He emphasized his stance in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), asserting, “For now, it is JM’s aides/cult worshipers who are saying he would not participate in any debate. I am waiting for JM himself to be bold and say to the hearing of Ghanaians that he would not participate in a debate & I will lead a massive ‘No Debate, No Presidency’ demonstration.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, during his campaign tour in Nalerigu on July 11, 2024, reiterated his call for a debate with Mahama on economic and governance issues.
Bawumia expressed confidence that he would expose the weaknesses in Mahama’s policies, particularly the 24-hour economy proposal.
“I am looking forward to a debate with John Dramani Mahama on the economy and governance, but I am afraid he is running away from a debate, and his people say he doesn’t want to debate.
He says he doesn’t want to debate because he knows that I will expose the emptiness of his policies. He says he has a 24-hour economy policy that he cannot explain; it is as empty as an empty barrel. None of his people can explain it, and they say they will be exporting lions and elephants.”
He further noted, “When we meet man-to-man, we can debate, and the country will see where our policies lie, and that is where we should go. Give the country an opportunity to listen to us, but if he chooses not to debate, I will continue to sell my policies to the people of Ghana, and you will take the decision.”
In response to criticisms from Mahama’s allies against the debate challenge, Mr Anyidoho underscored that he is awaiting Mahama’s personal stance on the matter before mobilizing the demonstration.