The National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has condemned the recent announcement by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Ghana regarding a presidential debate for the 2024 elections.
A statement dated July 19, 2024 and signed Joyce Bawa Mogtari, spokesperson for the former President noted that it is completely unacceptable that the IEA would make such an announcement without engaging or informing the National Democratic Congress, one of the major political parties in Ghana.
This comes after the IEA in a statement July 14, 2024 hinted a debate before the 2024 elections, involving several political parties intending to participate.
The IEA emphasized in a statement released on Wednesday, July 17, how important it is for voters to evaluate the vice-presidential and presidential candidates during these debates in order to make well-informed decisions.
The IEA verified that the discussions will take place before to the December election, even though the precise date has not yet been set. When the IEA’s election operations begin, the debate schedule will be made public.
Reacting to the IEA in a statement, Joyce Bawa Mogtari said the Constitution of Ghana does not grant the IEA any authority to organise elections-related activities and the fact that the IEA has not shown the decency or respect to at least inform the NDC of its plans raises serious questions about its motives.
According to Joyce Bawa Mogtari the IEA is clearly acting as a front for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and seeks to manipulate the electoral process in favour of the ruling party.
She explained that it is important to remind the IEA and the Ghanaian public that the NDC, led by John Dramani Mahama and running mate Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, has been engaging with the citizenry for many years. Mahama’s online and offline conversations have
“Our well-planned engagements with various sectors of society across the country have been and continue to be extremely beneficial to the people of Ghana. This being the case, we caution the IEA against using the NDC’s name to promote their activities, as this is a blatant attempt to misrepresent our party deliberately.
Ghanaians should remain assured that the NDC’s commitment to meaningful and respectful engagement with the people of Ghana is unwavering. We will continue to ensure that all Ghanaians’ voices are heard and their needs are addressed,” excerpts of the statement read.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu
