President Akufo-Addo Challenges Mahama: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has thrown down the gauntlet, urging former President John Dramani Mahama to engage in a public debate with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

This challenge was issued during President Akufo-Addo’s recent tour of the Northern Region, where he praised Dr. Bawumia as a competent and trustworthy leader, capable of presenting his ideas with clarity.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that a debate between Mahama and Bawumia would provide a platform for voters to assess the policies and leadership qualities of both candidates ahead of the upcoming elections. He argued that Ghanaians deserve the opportunity to hear both leaders present their visions for the country’s future, allowing the electorate to make informed decisions at the polls.

“Bawumia is someone who is reliable, clear-minded, and can be trusted, and that is why many Ghanaians are calling for a debate with Mahama on the key issues facing our country,” he stated. “Why is John Mahama running away from the debate?

Bawumia says he is ready any day to debate, so why is Mahama running away?” Akufo-Addo asked, suggesting that the former President’s reluctance indicates a hesitancy to confront Bawumia’s arguments and track record.

Evaluating Policies and Past Records

The President stressed the significance of the debate in allowing voters to see “who is doing what and who is saying what.” He specifically pointed to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy as a key issue on which Mahama needs to clarify his stance. “Mr. Mahama, which is it? What should Ghanaians understand as your position on the Free SHS policy? Is it safe with you? Are you going to continue it, or will you cancel it?” he questioned, implying that Mahama’s silence on the matter leaves room for uncertainty regarding his commitment to the program.

According to President Akufo-Addo, a refusal to engage in the debate would be a disservice to Ghanaians who are eager for an open discussion on the country’s development trajectory. He maintained that public debates are essential to a healthy democracy, as they allow candidates to transparently communicate their plans for the nation’s progress. He insisted that both Mahama and Bawumia owe it to the electorate to take part in a face-to-face debate to showcase their respective visions for Ghana.

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President Akufo-Addo Challenges Mahama: Critique of Mahama’s Reluctance

The President did not hold back in suggesting that Mahama’s reluctance may be due to an inability to confront the Vice President’s arguments effectively. He argued that by avoiding the debate, Mahama denies Ghanaians the opportunity to critically evaluate his plans and policies, potentially affecting the transparency of the electoral process.

Akufo-Addo concluded by reiterating his belief that a debate between the two leaders would not only foster a more informed electorate but also strengthen the democratic process. “Engaging in open debate is crucial for democracy,” he said, urging both candidates to seize this opportunity to communicate directly with the people of Ghana about their visions for the country’s future.

Conclusion

President Akufo-Addo Challenges Mahama: The call for a debate between Mahama and Bawumia adds a new layer to the ongoing political discourse in Ghana. As the elections draw nearer, the demand for transparency and clarity on critical national policies such as the Free SHS program is likely to intensify. Whether or not the former President accepts this challenge, the issue is poised to remain a central topic in the political landscape leading up to the election.

President Akufo-Addo Challenges Mahama