Presidential Debate; Akufo-Addo declines IMANI’s invitation, Mahama yet to respond
Presidential debates between two main oppositions have become part and parcel of every sound democracy as witnessed in the US between President Trump, the Republican candidate and Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate.
The encounter on September 29 was the first of three debate series to take place before the US elections is climaxed in November.
Even though verdicts from panelists across many international media organisations have condemned the insults that were traded between the two candidates, it however spelt how each of them plans to handle respective sectors of the economy when voted to power.
Similarly, the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education has called presidential candidates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for a similar exercise.
Even though some candidates have over the years turned down similar invitations from the Institute for Economic Affairs for same debates, some were successful. But the reactions from the two sides this year is a clear indication that, the debate may not see the light of day.
In a facebook post made by the think tank’s president, Franklin Cudjoe, sighted by Ghanasonline, even though a date has not been set for the event, President Akufo-Addo has already declined the invitation saying he has other commitments to honour, whilst John Mahama is yet to provide a response.
“Right here in Ghana, one major candidate has sent in his reply to IMANI’s quest for a debate- he can’t take part “due to pre-arranged commitments”, the President it is. But we haven’t even set a date for that big debate. We still haven’t heard from his opponent, JM [John Mahama]. So, there shall be no big debate between the two major candidates”, the post read.
However, John Mahama, has earlier called on Akufo-Addo for infrastructural debate, which the latter declined also.
Road to election 2020
Meanwhile, the IMANI Multimedia engagement with the smaller political parties is still on course, with their debate scheduled to take place on October 15, as that of the Independent Candidates has taken place already.
The post further indicated “IMANI will at a later date launch its final report on critical manifesto promises of seven political parties and on the same day, publish the final score card of the NPP’s manifesto delivery.”
Citi FM/TV’s Umaru Sanda Amadu and Evans Mensah of JoyNews will moderate the critical manifesto analyses report and final manifesto score card event.
There will also be a presentation on UNICEF’s sponsored project on the political parties commitment to Child Responsive Inclusive Growth which they [IMANI] have already engaged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the Manifesto Committee of the NDC on.
The post also says, “IMANI’s Dennis Asare will present an Atlas-IMANI sponsored study on dealing with regional trade barriers in order to prepare for the full benefits of continent- wide trade deals before December 7.”
“Together with the internationally respected consulting firm, Adam Smith International, IMANI will undertake a DFID-sponsored Ports Assessment work to identify loopholes that fuel illicit trade and crimes at our ports. Finally, in partnership with GIZ, IMANI will aim to organise at most two policy dialogues to guide the next government on the path of being highly effective [to be led by IMANI Senior Fellow, Dr. Theo Acheampong]”, the post relayed.
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Creditably
Imani is not a credible institution to host the debate. They have taken a stance in the upcoming election.