IEA has no constitutional 'authority' to organise presidential debates; NDC not informed about any plans for debate - Joyce Bawah Mogtari

The Mahama 2024 Campaign team says the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Ghana, has not engaged it regarding a presidential debate for the 2024 elections and the policy think-tank has gone ahead to announce that it was organising a debate.

"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," a statement dated Friday, July 19, 2024 and issued by Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Spokesperson for former President John Dramani Mahama said.

"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," she stated.

The IEA this week announced that it was planning a presidential and vice presidential candidates debate ahead of the December 7 elections and that details of the debate will be announced when it officially launches the debate.

Read also: IEA to organise Presidential debates to promote issue-based elections

According to the IEA, the event will foster an issue-based elections in the country and offer the candidates the opportunity to discuss various aspects of the nation's development process and present their views. 

It will also serve as a platform for the respective candidates to point out weaknesses in policies of their co-contestants, as well as provide solutions to them.

But in the statement issued by the Mahama 2024 Campaign team, the Spokesperson described IEA's move as “completely unacceptable.”

She accused the IEA of acting as a front for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and as such was seeking to manipulate the electoral process in favour of the governing party.

She indicated that the NDC, led by former President Mahama and his running mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, have already 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 statement said. 

“Our well-planned engagements with various sectors of society across the country have been and continue to be extremely beneficial to the people of Ghana,” it stressed.

Joyce Bawah Mogtari therefore cautioned the IEA against using the NDC's name to promote its activities, describing it as a blatant attempt to deliberately misrepresent the party. 

"Ghanaians should remain assured that the NDC's commitment to meaningful and respectful engagement with the people of Ghana is unwavering. We will continue to ensure that all Ghanaian voices are heard and needs are addressed."