The Minority in Parliament has criticized the Majority caucus for pressuring National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama to engage in a debate with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, ahead of the December elections.
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the Majority caucus renewed its call for Mahama to accept a debate challenge from Dr. Bawumia, arguing that such an event would allow Ghanaians to compare the two parties and assess their capabilities in managing the economy.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking in Parliament, dismissed the proposal, asserting that Bawumia, whom he referred to as a “driver’s mate,” was not qualified to debate an experienced driver like Mahama. He suggested that the Vice President should first debate the Minority’s spokespersons on finance and the economy before considering a debate with the former President.
“Mr. Speaker, monkeys, they say, play by sizes. How can a driver’s mate debate an experienced driver?” Dr. Ato Forson questioned. “The spokesperson for the Minority on finance is Honourable Adongo. The spokesperson for the economy is Honourable Kwaku Ricketts Hagan, and the spokesperson for the budget is Honourable Ampem Darko. The Vice President can only debate Honourable Adongo, Honourable Ricketts Hagan, or Honourable Ampem Darko before he considers debating former President John Mahama.”
Isaac Adongo, a Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, also weighed in, stating that Mahama would not debate Dr. Bawumia to resurrect Bawumia’s “failing career,” which he claimed is marred by perceived dishonesty and incompetence.
This response came after Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin challenged Mahama to a debate with Bawumia, suggesting it would be an opportunity for Mahama to highlight the government’s failures.
As the political climate heats up, the Minority’s firm stance on the debate challenge underscores the widening rift between the two major parties as they gear up for the December elections.
