Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has taken a strong stance against his National Democratic Congress (NDC) counterpart, John Dramani Mahama, for refusing to engage in a debate.
The controversy arose after Joyce Bawah Mogtari, spokesperson for the Mahama Campaign Team, declared that there was no need for a debate between the two candidates.
Speaking to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters in Nalerigu on Thursday, July 11, during the second phase of his nationwide campaign, Dr. Bawumia criticized Mahama for dodging a direct confrontation. He claimed that Mahama’s reluctance to debate is a sign of fear and an attempt to avoid exposing the impracticality of his campaign promises.
“I’m looking forward to a debate with John Mahama on the economy, governance, and the future of our country,” Bawumia stated. “But I’m afraid he’s running away from a debate because he knows I will expose the emptiness of his policies. He says he has a 24-hour economy, but he cannot explain it. He’s as empty as an empty barrel.”
Bawumia went on to challenge Mahama’s economic plans, suggesting that neither Mahama nor his team could provide coherent explanations for their policies. “They say they will be exporting lions and elephants. But when we meet man-to-man, we can debate, and the country will see where our policies lie,” he added.
Despite Mahama’s apparent avoidance, Bawumia pledged to continue advocating for his policies and connecting with the electorate. “We should give the country an opportunity to listen to us. But if he refuses, I will continue to sell my policies to the country, and they will take a decision.”
The exchange highlights the increasing tension between the two major political parties as the election approaches, with Bawumia positioning himself as a candidate ready to openly discuss and defend his plans for Ghana’s future.
