Mahama responds to IMANI’s invitation to debate Akufo-Addo
Flagbearer of Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has expressed his readiness to debate President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
This is in connection with an invitation from IMANI Centre for Policy and Education to have the presidential candidates from the two largest political parties in Ghana espouse their ideologies to the citizenry before the December polls.
In a response signed by the Political Aide and Head of Administration at the office of the former President, Callistus Mahama, it indicates how the exercise will not only “enhance our democracy, but also give voters a better opportunity to make informed decisions..”
Meanwhile, IMANI’s President, Franklin Cudjoe in his comments on the US Presidential Debate indicated how Ghana’s version of the biggest debate will suffer a fiasco, due to President Akufo-Addo’s “commitments that wouldn’t permit” him to undertake the debate whose date has not been set yet.
IMANI’s invitation had followed a call for infrastructure debate from the office of John Mahama, which was also declined by Akufo-Addo.
Below is the full response from former President Mahama and President Akufo-Addo’s offices respectively.
Mahama’s Response
“30 September, 2020
Dear Mr Cudjoe,
Your letter of 15 September, 2020 refers.
H.E John Mahama has stated publicly, his willingness, to debate H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo on any platform and at any time.
H.E John Mahama believes that not only will this enhance our democracy, but also give voters a better opportunity to make informed decisions.
Anything short of this, will defeat the intended purpose.
Kindly accept the assurances of H.E John Mahama’s highest regards .
Callistus Mahama, Ph.D
(Political Aide and Head of Administration, Office of HE John Mahama)”
Read also: Presidential Debate; Akufo-Addo declines IMANI’s invitation, Mahama yet to respond
Akufo-Addo’s Response
“OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 23rd September, 2020
Dear Mr Cudjoe:
RE: INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN IMANI’S PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE FOR TWO MAJOR PARTIES
With reference to your correspondence dated 15th September, 2020 bearing on the above-mentioned subject, I regret to inform you that due to pre-arranged commitments, the President of the Republic will not be available to participate in IMANI’s Presidential Debate between the two dominant political parties, New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Please accept the President’s best wishes.
SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
MR. FRANKLIN CUDJOE
FOUNDING PRESIDENT & CEO
IMANI CENTRE FOR POLICY & EDUCATION
ACCRA
cc: The Vice President
Jubilee House, Accra
The Chief of Staff
Jubilee House, Accra”
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