Mahama, Akufo-Addo to slug it out in three presidential debates

Presidential candidates of political parties that will participate in the 2020 elections will slug it out in three presidential debates set for September, October, and December.

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, will thus pit his knowledge against that of his counterpart from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo if he decides to participate.

The debates, which will be held in the northern, middle and southern zones will offer constituents some insights into the knowledge of the persons contesting for their votes.

Incidentally, sitting Presidents in the past have cleverly maneuvered their ways out of the debates sighting various excuses and therefore not a foregone conclusion President Akufo-Addo will do differently.

The debates will be televised live on national television.

Parliamentary candidates in all 275 constituencies will also participate in public debates to respond to questions on relevant matters.

Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) who disclosed this said the debate will be organized in collaboration with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

The NCCE, she said, will also engage in pre and post-election education on good governance and peaceful co-existence and engage the public on civic awareness programmes to enable constituents to demand accountability from public officials.

Mrs. Joyce Afutu disclosed that the commission has adopted measures to empower the youth to understand the tenets of the Public Order Act and the Code of Conduct of Political Parties as part of measures to kill electoral violence and curb politically motivated violence.

The NCCE, she said, would also engage with Identifiable Groups and Communities for education on elections to promote peace and tolerance; and hold TV, Radio, discussions on the Constitution Week Celebration.

According to her, as part of the 2020 Constitution Week Celebration, the commission will engage Security Services, Corporate and Professional Bodies; engage with people living in places identified as Hot Spots for peaceful election and education for first-time voters in educational Institutions.

The NCCE is collaborating with strategic state institutions including the Ghana Police Service, Judicial Service, Electoral Commission, National Media Commission, Community Radio Network, National Peace Council, Ghana Police Service, and Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission to empower the youth to stand against violence.

Other activities for the year include engagement with traditional authorities on Elections and good governance; Education on Environmental Governance; Child Protection – child marriage, child labour among others.