Western Region ready for Vice-Presidential debate

The people of the Western Region are waiting anxiously for tomorrow's Vice-Presidential Candidates debate slated for Takoradi ahead of this year's parliamentary and presidential elections on December 7, 2012.

The debate, being organised by the Institute of Economic Affair's (IEA), would afford the vice-presidential candidates for the four political parties that have representation in parliament the opportunity to espouse the policies and programmes of their various political parties.

The competing debaters are Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, running-mate to President John Dramani Mahama of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Madam Cherita Sarpong, running-mate to Dr. Michael Abu Sakara of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, running-mate to Nana Akuffo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Madam Helen Sanorita Dzotugbe Matrevi, running-mate to Mr. Hassan Ayariga of the People's National Convention (PNC).

The event would offer them the platform to exhibit their knowledge on issues of national development and how to provide the needed support through partnering with their respective presidential candidates.

In addition, it would afford them the opportunity to point out the weaknesses in the policies and programmes of co-contestants and present alternatives to polices and plans.

When the Ghana News Agency visited Akroma Plaza Hotel in Takoradi, the venue for the event on Monday, preparation works were nearing completion.

The national colours – red, gold and green have been used to decorate the entrance of the hotel. The electronic media were also seen setting up their equipment in readiness to telecast live proceedings of the event.

At the hall for the event the lighting system were being put in place while the podium was beautifully draped with the national colours.

A resident of Takoradi Eric Ackon, believed the debate would be a race between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) running-mate, Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, who is currently the Vice-President, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running-mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

"I believe that the remaining two running-mates for the other two parties might not pose much threat to the NDC and NPP running-mates because we've not heard much about them since their nomination as vice-presidential candidates for their parties", he said.

Isaac Kingsley Mensah, the Western Regional Secretary of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), said he expected the debate to dwell mainly on the economy.

He said although the outcome of the debate might not necessarily change the minds of the electorate as to who to vote for, it would be a platform for the political parties to explain their policies and programmes for the state.

Mrs Esther Awortwe-Abban, a trader, said she would vote for a candidate that would give women empowerment a priority in the debate.