During the 2012 elections, then-President John Dramani Mahama offered to participate in a debate with other political party candidates, organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). In 2016, as the incumbent President, John Dramani Mahama again participated in a debate organized by the IEA, which included candidates such as Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr. Edward Mahama, and Dr. Ayariga, among others.
However, since Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo became President in 2017, he has consistently refused to engage in any debates with John Dramani Mahama, particularly before the 2020 elections. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the government have declined these debate opportunities. They likely feared that if President Akufo-Addo debated John Mahama, he might be exposed on certain issues, potentially diminishing his popularity and affecting his chances of re-election in 2020. Consequently, Mahama was not given the chance to debate Akufo-Addo.
Currently, there is talk of pushing for a debate between John Dramani Mahama and another candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. However, it raises the question of what achievements Dr. Bawumia can claim that warrant a debate with John Dramani Mahama. John Dramani Mahama's experience and accomplishments far exceed those of Dr. Bawumia. Therefore, there is no justification for John Dramani Mahama to debate Dr. Bawumia.
If there is to be any debate, it should involve President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Dramani Mahama. The grassroots supporters and the people of Ghana will not agree to a debate involving John Dramani Mahama and Dr. Bawumia. There have been no presidential debates for the past eight years, and it should remain that way. If Dr. Bawumia wants to prove his competence, he should address the country's economic challenges.
Mantse Ayitey
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