Mahama 2024 Campaign condemns IEA's announcement of Presidential Debate

The Mahama 2024 Campaign has issued a strong rebuke to the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) following its announcement of a presidential debate for the upcoming 2024 elections.

In a statement dated Friday, July 19, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, spokesperson for the Mahama 2024 Campaign, criticized the IEA for its failure to formally invite the National Democratic Congress (NDC) before making the announcement.

"The Mahama 2024 Campaign strongly condemns the recent announcement by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Ghana regarding a presidential debate for the 2024 elections. 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," the statement read.

The Mahama 2024 Campaign also questioned the IEA's authority to organize election-related activities.

"The Constitution of Ghana does not grant the IEA any authority to organise elections-related activities. 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," Mogtari stated.

Further, the campaign accused the IEA of attempting to influence the electoral process in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

"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," the statement continued.

Highlighting the NDC's longstanding engagement with the public, the campaign emphasized the efforts of John Dramani Mahama and his running mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang.

"It is important to remind the IEA and the Ghanaian public that the NDC, led by our presidential candidate 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 targeted a wide range of audiences and focused on addressing the needs and concerns of the people of Ghana."

The Mahama 2024 Campaign's statement underscores the tension and scrutiny surrounding the organization of presidential debates and the broader electoral process as the country heads into the 2024 elections.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith