By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has confirmed its participation in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary debates, scheduled to take place ahead of the 2024 general elections. This announcement was made by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
He acknowledged that the NPP had previously declined to participate in similar debates in 2014 and 2016, but emphasized that the party is now enthusiastic about showcasing its accomplishments and providing voters with a straightforward comparison of the policy offerings and visions of each party. By engaging in the debates, the NPP aims to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability, allowing voters to make informed decisions based on a clear understanding of the parties’ platforms.
In contrast, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed reservations about participating in the debates, citing concerns over the IEA’s methodology. The Mahama 2024 campaign team has publicly criticized the IEA for failing to engage in prior consultation with the NDC before announcing the debates, characterizing this unilateral decision as “unacceptable”. This move has sparked hesitation within the NDC regarding their potential involvement in the debates, potentially impacting the scope and inclusivity of the political discourse.
Meanwhile the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has established a 9-member Presidential Debate Committee, which was inaugurated on Thursday, August 22. The committee’s primary responsibility is to facilitate engagement with various political parties and oversee the organization of the debates, ensuring fair and inclusive discussion of critical issues facing the nation.