Bawumia, Mahama Invited to a National Debate

Policy think tank IMANI Centre for Policy and Education known as IMANI Africa has invited the two candidates of the country’s leading political parties, John Dramani Mahama and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to a national election debate.

In two separate letters addressed to the two leaders and shared on social media by Franklin Cudjoe, the President of the think tank, it was stated that the debate aims to provide a critical platform for the major political parties in Ghana to present their policies and vision to the electorate in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.

It envisions that the event will allow voters to gain a clearer understanding of your parties’ policy positions and plans, helping them make informed choices at the polls and providing a platform for detailed discussions of policy proposals.

It is also anticipated to enable voters to critically evaluate the parties’ approach to addressing current national challenges.

“On behalf of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, I am pleased to extend a formal invitation to your esteemed party to participate in the upcoming National Election Debate,” a part of the letters dated June 27, 2024, read.

The date for the event and venue is yet to be communicated.

Format
“It will feature questions on key national issues, highlights of which will be forwarded to the participants (the Flagbearers of participating political parties) ahead of the debate for their perusal.”

Topics will centre around the Economy, Social Services, Infrastructure, Energy & Natural Resources and Governance.

Per the format, the letter said each party will be afforded equal time to present their views and rebuttals; questions will include a mix of direct, open-ended questions, and specific follow-ups and; questions can be sourced from the public, experts, and the debate organizers, ensuring they are relevant and significant.

Additionally, it said the debate will allow for structured rebuttals where each participant can respond to points made by their opponent; will be broadcasted live on multiple platforms ensuring comprehensive media coverage and opportunities for post-debate analysis; and will last for at least two (2) and a half-hours.

Response
Weeks after extending the letter, Mr Cudjoe says a response is yet to be heard from the Vice President.

“We have had a reply from John Dramani Mahama’s office- tentative though, and we wait. Yet to hear from Dr Bawumia and his team.”

But Mr Mahama’s aide, Joyce Bawa has come out to refuse public calls for a debate with their opponents.