Akufo-Addo needs ‘Mahama’s debate’ – Arthur Kennedy

A former presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party Dr. Arthur Kennedy has urged Nana Akufo-Addo to pick up the debate challenge by President John Mahama because it will inure to his advantage.

Handlers of the NPP flagbearer have said their candidate will not debate the President because he turned down an earlier opportunity for a debate between the two.

They argue that time for debates are past as they are now focused on the December 7, polls.

But commenting on the matter in a Facebook post, Dr. Kennedy said the two men must debate to show their understanding of the economy and to enhance Ghana’s democracy.

“While the President and the NDC were wrong to pull out of IEA events, including debates, it would be equally wrong for Nana Akufo-Addo to refuse to debate the President. Nana Akufo-Addo NEEDS that debate. Ghana needs it and Ghanaian democracy needs it.

“Hopefully, it can produce an iconic moment, similar to Tamale, when the candidates held hands and committed to peace. Let's have a debate, please!!” Dr. Kennedy wrote.

He added: “Early indications are that the NPP has turned down the President's offer to debate. That would be a huge mistake.

“The 2008 Presidential Debates were useful in helping the nation judge our Presidential Candidates. And so was the 2012 edition, except for the incessant coughing of Mr. Ayariga.

"Debates have become a very important marker for judging the maturity of a democracy. Since it made its appearance in the 1960 US Presidential debate, it has become an increasingly important factor, not just in US elections but around the world".