Spokesperson for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s 2024 presidential campaign, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has announced that the Vice President will only participate in the upcoming presidential debate organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) if his main rival, former President John Dramani Mahama, is also present.
The IEA has scheduled two presidential debates ahead of the 2024 general elections, set for October 22 and November 19.
Speaking in an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Mr Aboagye emphasized that while Dr. Bawumia is ready to engage in debates on national issues, he believes Mahama’s participation is essential for a comprehensive discussion.
“Dr. Bawumia is eager to participate, but there is no debate if Mahama is absent. The December polls will be a contest between Dr. Bawumia and Mahama, and both must engage to provide voters with a balanced discourse,” Aboagye stated.
The IEA outlined its debate schedule in a statement, detailing two presidential debates, one vice-presidential debate, and five evening encounters with the candidates ahead of the December 7 elections.
The vice-presidential debate is slated for November 5, while the evening encounters will kick off on Wednesday, September 18, with the last one scheduled for October 15.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, have expressed a preference to focus their campaign efforts on engaging with the electorate.
The NDC has argued that its resources are better spent promoting its policies to voters rather than participating in debates with the ruling party’s candidate, who, they claim, has failed to deliver on economic promises.
As the date for the first debate approaches, the participation of key contenders remains uncertain, with Dr. Bawumia’s involvement hinging on Mahama’s presence. The outcome of these deliberations will determine the structure of the debates as Ghana heads towards a critical election.