The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has denied allegations that it is biased towards the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in relation to a potential presidential debate later this year.

In response to the Mahama 2024 Campaign's criticism, the IEA clarified that its announcement of a presidential debate for this year’s general elections would have been followed by official invitations to the candidates and their parties.

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, spokesperson for the Mahama 2024 Campaign, criticized the IEA in a statement on July 19, describing the lack of an official invitation to the NDC before the announcement as "completely unacceptable."

"The Mahama 2024 Campaign strongly condemns the recent announcement by the IEA Ghana regarding a presidential debate for the 2024 elections. 

It is completely unacceptable that the IEA would make such an announcement without engaging or informing the National Democratic Congress, one of the major political parties in Ghana," Mogtari stated.

In a statement issued on July 22, the IEA responded, "Respectfully, in our Press Release of July 17, 2024, the IEA did not indicate that it had engaged or informed any Political Party or Presidential Candidate to participate in the Debates. Indeed, the IEA had not engaged any Political Party or Presidential Candidate before its Press Release."

The IEA explained that it intended to follow the initial release with individual letters to the candidates, inviting them to the debates and other activities. 

It emphasized that the debates are an opportunity for candidates to present their policies to the Ghanaian public and to counter the policies of their opponents, thereby helping the electorate make informed choices.

"The IEA gives equal opportunity to all the Candidates. Therefore, the IEA cannot be said to be fronting for any political party, in particular the NPP as is being alleged. 

The IEA respectfully encourages all Presidential and Vice-Presidential Candidates to participate in the Debates, which offer the platform to explain their policies and programmes to the electorate, to win their votes," the statement added.

The IEA concluded by highlighting the importance of the debates in enhancing Ghana’s democracy and expressed hope that all candidates would participate in the planned programme