Akufo-Addo and IEA debate: Who’s running away from who ?

By Michael Jarvis Bokor

Folks, the NDC strategically deflated the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) by pooh-poohing it in its orchestrated campaign of sorts. When the party chose not to participate in the so-called "Presidential Debates" (or whatever the encounter was called), it took the "shine" out of it and left the IEA beleaguered. After all, why should the NDC bother about the IEA as if it's a kingmaker? Or after the NPP people had raised unfounded allegations that Dr. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang).

One of the moderators for the 2012 encounter with the Presidential Candidates had leaked the questions to help President Mahama perform well on the occasion for which she was rewarded with a Ministerial appointment? Such people!!

Even though the IEA gave audience to the PNC's Dr. Edward Mahama and another to air their "manifestos" on national development, the public didn't attach any importance to whatever ensued.

Paralyzed by the NDC's rebuff, the IEA was left with straw to hang on to. Its attempt to give the NPP's Akufo-Addo the opportunity to sell himself under its aegis flopped twice. The first move was postponed only for the second one to be pushed aside too.

We were given reasons for the postponement, which didn't persuade us. First, it was that Akufo-Addo won't be in the country at the date set aside for him. Second, it was just an explanation of circumstances beyond the IEA's control. Tongues have been wagging ever since. When will the IEA open the floor to Akufo-Addo?

Some are of the opinion that Akufo-Addo isn't ready because his party cannot pout together any substantial or concrete mnanifesto for him to project at the IEA forum. Probably so, judging from the knee-jerk promises that he is making all over the place. (The impulsive One District, One Factory; the jerky promise to carve a new region out of the Western Region; and now the One Village, One Dam promise to the people of Northern Ghana). Aaaaabaaaaaaaaa!!

More than one month since it became clear that the IEA and Akufo-Addo are playing the game of hide-and-seek, we are left with no other issue but to ask whether it is the IEA that is running away from Akufo-Addo or vice versa.

When will Akufo-Addo face the IEA? After he has gone round the country exhausting his list of phantom promises? What again will he present at an IEA forum thereafter? Oyiwa!!!