Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has challenged the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to engage in a debate with those most affected by the current economic conditions.

Speaking on ‘Dwabo’ on CTV, Wednesday, 24 July 2024, Mr. Asiedu Nketia reiterated his party’s position on the recent call for a debate between Mr. John Mahama and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

He responded to Dr. Bawumia’s recent call for a debate by suggesting that the NPP flagbearer should instead debate the people directly experiencing the economic hardships.

“Dr. Bawumia had previously said that the impact of the economy we [NDC] were running was most felt by workers, market women, kayayoo traders, and GPRTU members, so John Mahama should engage those people in a debate,” Mr. Nketia said.

“Let me ask, have these categories of people left our economy? No,” he emphasised, suggesting that Dr. Bawumia should follow his own advice and hold a debate with these affected groups.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia further questioned Dr. Bawumia's concern, stating: “So we’re judging you by your own bible, why are you worried?”

Looking ahead, Mr. Asiedu Nketia outlined the NDC’s plans regarding presidential debates should they come to power.

He proposed that a legislative framework be established to formalise debates as part of Ghana’s electoral process.

“If we think debates should be part of our democracy, when we come into government, we’re going to legislate. All parties will be involved in parliamentary debates and establish laws to structure how debates are organised, funded, and managed,” Mr. Nketia explained.

“So that it is given a correct structure, and no one can simply say, ‘I want a debate today or tomorrow I don’t want a debate.’”