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Kwame Jantuah predicts debate will expose Bawumia’s economic shortcomings


Kwame Jantuah, a prominent member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has predicted that a presidential debate between Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama would expose the vice president’s inadequacies, particularly on economic issues.


Jantuah argued that such a debate would put Bawumia under scrutiny, forcing him to answer basic questions about the cost of essential commodities like tomatoes and onions.


“The debate will expose him. He will be asked how much is food inflation now, how much is tomatoes, and onions, what will he say?” Jantuah stated during an appearance on TV3’s New Day show on Friday, July 12.


Adding to this sentiment, NDC’s Director of Conflict Resolution, Abraham Amaliba, dismissed the need for a debate on economic issues, asserting that Ghanaians are already aware of the current economic challenges.


Mr. Amaliba pointed out that the exchange rate under the Mahama administration was more stable compared to the present situation.


“He should go and debate with the exchange rate. The debate he is looking for with Mahama will be a complete waste of prime time and even suicidal for Bawumia,” Mr. Amaliba commented on the same show.


The discussion on a potential debate was ignited by Vice President Bawumia, who recently challenged former President Mahama to a live debate. Addressing his supporters in Bunkpurugu in the North East Region, Bawumia expressed his eagerness for a direct confrontation to discuss their visions and policies.


“I am looking forward to a debate with John Mahama on the economy, on the country, on the governance,” he declared.


However, Bawumia suggested that Mahama might be avoiding the debate.


“I am afraid that he is running away from a debate. His people say he doesn’t want to debate. I have never heard an opposition leader who doesn’t want to debate. But he knows I will expose the emptiness of his policies,” Bawumia added.


Dr. Bawumia further criticized Mahama’s proposal for a 24-hour economy, labeling it as “empty” and unexplainable. He accused the former president and his team of making unrealistic promises, such as the exportation of lions and elephants.


“When we meet mano a mano, we can debate, and the country will see where our policies lie. We should give the country an opportunity to listen to us. If he chooses not to debate, I’ll continue to sell my policies,” Bawumia said.


In many advanced democracies, presidential debates are a cornerstone of the electoral process, providing a platform for candidates to present and defend their policies.


There have been numerous calls from civil society groups for such a debate between the two leading candidates to allow Ghanaians to evaluate their plans for the country.


With Vice President Bawumia issuing the challenge, the decision now rests with former President Mahama.


The public eagerly awaits his response, which could significantly shape the discourse leading up to the elections.


Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

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