Presidential Debate: Monkeys play by sizes; find your size - Ato Forson Jabs Bawumia

The Minority in Parliament has criticized the Majority caucus for urging the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama, to debate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, ahead of the December elections.

On Wednesday, July 24, the Majority caucus reiterated their call for Mr. Mahama to accept a debate invitation from Dr. Bawumia.

They argue that such a debate would give Ghanaians a chance to compare the two parties and decide who is better suited to manage the economy.

However, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, dismissed the idea, stating that a "driver’s mate" (referring to Bawumia) did not qualify to debate an experienced driver (Mahama).

He suggested that the Vice President should first debate the caucus’ spokespersons on the economy and budget before considering a debate with the former president.

Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that Dr. Bawumia lacks the experience to match Mr. Mahama, making a debate unnecessary at this time.

He highlighted the significant disparity in experience between the two politicians, which he believes does not justify a direct debate.

“Mr. Speaker, monkeys, they say, play by sizes. Mr. Speaker, how can a driver’s mate debate an experienced driver? Mr. Speaker, in this house, the spokesperson for the minority on the issues of finance is Honourable Adongo.

“The spokesperson for the minority on the issues of the economy is Honourable Kwaku Ricketts Hagan, and the spokesperson for the budget for the minority is Honourable Ampem Darko.”

“Mr. Speaker, we all know that the Chairman of the Economic Management Team is the Vice President, so the Vice President can only debate Honourable Adongo. He should debate Honourable Adongo or debate Honourable Ricketts Hagan.

“A driver’s mate cannot debate an experienced driver. Mr. Speaker, that is the fact. So, we throw the challenge: he should debate Honourable Adongo first, Honourable Ampem second, Honourable Ricketts Hagan third before he considers debating former President John Mahama,” he stated.