President John Dramani Mahama is calling for a debate between himself and Presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party [NPP] Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
According to him, he needs to set records straight on some “contentious” issues raised by the NPP leader in his bid to win the election come November 7.
He said this in an interview with Accra-based TV3 on the ‘NewDay’ programme when asked if he will again debate Nana Addo before this year’s schedule presidential polls.
“I am willing to debate Nana Akufo-Addo any day, even if you call him today we will put it here . . . I don’t have problem with debating Nana [Nana Addo],” President Mahama responded.
Adding that – “Indeed he [Nana Addo] has made a lot of contemptuous statements I would have wished that you had him here [On the show] so we debate on those issues.”
Nana Akufo Addo and his running mate, Dr. Mahmudu Bawumia have on several occasions raised issues with the governance style of the president accusing him of running down the country’s economy and bringing unbearable hardships on the citizenry.
Nana Addo recently held what he termed was the real state of the nation address after the president had delivered his mandated State of the Nations address to the house of Parliament.
This, the president has denied and said his achievements are evident for all to see. President Mahama has indicated that he would be available for a debate during the campaign season depending on whether his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is willing to participate.
Ahead of this year’s election, it is likely the Institute of Economy Affairs [IEA] will hold a presidential debate for all aspirants including the president – this according President John Mahama will be a ‘fine’ opportunity to react to Nana Addo’s claims.
He prays his party [NDC] will accept such invitation from the IEA when served, but
“It is not for me to say, I am sure that the NDC party at the appropriate time if they are invited to debate will have to take a decision on whether they feel comfortable with whoever is organizing the debate,” he added.
Source: Peacefmonline
