As Ghana prepares for its 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) is gearing up to announce the date for the eagerly awaited debate.
This event is a cornerstone of Ghana’s democratic process, offering presidential candidates a platform to present their policies, address crucial questions, and directly engage with voters.
Since 2000, the IEA has been organizing these debates, underscoring its commitment to fostering democratic dialogue and policy discourse in Ghana. These debates have grown to become a vital part of the electoral process, enabling voters to assess the capabilities and visions of those vying for the highest office in the country.
In a recent interview with Citi FM, Professor Alexander Bilson Darku, a senior fellow at IEA, revealed that discussions have already commenced with various political parties to arrange a debate before December 7.
“The debate is essential for transparency. Ghanaians deserve to know the plans of their presidential candidates and the parties they represent. We are currently in early discussions with them [political parties]. We have a timeline in place, and soon the public will be informed about the IEA’s plan for this crucial presidential debate.”
This announcement comes amid differing opinions between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the necessity of these debates.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer, has challenged John Dramani Mahama of the NDC to participate in a debate ahead of the elections. Bawumia asserts that Mahama seems reluctant to engage in a public discussion about Ghana’s economy, governance, and the overall state of the nation.
