First Presidential Debate Slated for October 22

The Country’s first Presidential debate ahead of the 2024 Presidential election will take place in a month, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has announced.

It will be followed by a Vice-Presidential debate after 14 days and then another Presidential debate in Kumasi, a schedule released by the IEA outlined.

Prior to the debates, IEA will host a series of evening encounters in Accra for the candidates of the leading political parties in the country.

The first encounter is on September 18, the second on September 24, the third on October 1, the fourth on October 8 and the last on October 15.

The Presidential debates start with the first on October 22 in Accra and the second in Kumasi on November 5 while the Vice-Presidential debate will be on November 19.

In a statement, the Institute said these debates and encounters have remarkably advanced democratic discourse by providing a platform where candidates can directly convey their policies and visions to the electorates.

“This transparent exchange of ideas empowers voters to make well-informed decisions rooted in the candidates’ positions on critical matters. The conduct of these debates since 2000 underscores Ghana’s allegiance to democratic values, setting a standard for other African countries and underscoring the country’s democratic development.”

This, it said, makes way for accountability of candidates, compelling them to elucidate their positions and rationalise their policies, consequently promoting transparency and ensuring that leaders are answerable to the populace.