Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has renewed his challenge for a public debate with John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Dr. Bawumia has expressed his eagerness to discuss critical issues such as the economy and governance, questioning why his opponent seems reluctant to engage in a debate.
During a recent address, Dr. Bawumia voiced his perplexity over Mahama’s hesitance, suggesting that the former president might be avoiding a debate due to the fear of having his policies scrutinized. “I am looking forward to a debate with John Mahama on the economy, on the country, on governance. But I’m afraid he is running away from a debate,” Dr. Bawumia stated. He argued that Mahama’s reluctance stems from an inability to defend his policies, which Dr. Bawumia described as lacking substance.
Dr. Bawumia also criticized Mahama’s economic proposals, particularly his concept of a “24-hour economy,” which he claims neither Mahama nor his supporters can adequately explain. “He’s as empty as an empty barrel. He cannot explain it, none of his people can explain it. They said they will be exporting lions and elephants but when we meet man to man we can debate and the country will see where our policies lay,” he asserted.
Despite the call for a debate, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, spokesperson for John Dramani Mahama’s campaign, dismissed the necessity of such an event. According to Mogtari, given the current administration’s performance, there is little to discuss. “There is nothing to debate considering the poor performance of the current government,” she remarked, while acknowledging that the ultimate decision is not hers to make.