Friday, 18 October

Debate: Minority invitation, a strategy to shield Mahama from facing Bawumia – Miracles Aboagye

Politics
Presidential Debate

Mr Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communication for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's campaign team, has criticized the Minority's recent invitation for the NPP flagbearer to join the mid-year budget review debate as a tactic to shield John Dramani Mahama from a direct confrontation with Dr. Bawumia.

The Minority caucus in Parliament extended an invitation to Dr. Bawumia following his challenge to debate the NDC flagbearer. 

However, Mr Aboagye believes that the NPP has capable MPs who can represent the party effectively, suggesting that the Minority's move aims to protect Mr Mahama from facing Dr. Bawumia directly.

"The Vice President is genuinely flattered by this initiative from the Minority, especially considering they have assembled seven to eight people to debate just him. If this is the Minority’s strategy to shield the ex- president from debating the Vice-President, that’s fine,” Aboagye stated.

Mr Aboagye made this comment while reacting to the Minority’s invitation in a Facebook post dated July 24, 2024 

He questioned the practice of selecting multiple individuals to debate a single person in Parliament, emphasizing that established debate rules should be followed. 

Mr Aboagye argued that the Vice President might not need to participate, as other competent members of the Majority side can handle the debate effectively.

Conversely, Deputy Minority Whip Mr Ahmed Ibrahim insists that Dr. Bawumia is accountable to Ghanaians for the government's performance, justifying their invitation. 

“We know all the economic and financial records and indicators…he owes the good people of Ghana an explanation for his seven and a half years of service,” Ibrahim said.

He clarified that the invitation is directed at Dr. Bawumia in his role as Chairman of the Economic Management Team and Vice President, as outlined in Article 111 of the Constitution. 

“We are not asking President Akufo-Addo to attend; we are specifically requesting Dr. Bawumia to fulfil his constitutional obligation and provide the necessary explanation,” Ibrahim added.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah