The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has underscored the importance of hosting a debate before the 2024 elections, involving several political parties intending to participate.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 17, the IEA highlighted that these debates are crucial for voters to assess both presidential and vice-presidential candidates, aiding in informed decision-making.

While the exact date for the debates has not yet been determined, the IEA confirmed that they will take place before the December election. The timeline for the debates will be revealed during the launch of IEA’s election activities.

The debates will cover various thematic areas, including the economy, governance, natural resources, agriculture, education, health, labour, gender, children, youth, and other social issues.

"The debates will provide a common platform for the Presidential Candidates and Vice-Presidential Candidates to discuss various aspects of the nation’s development process. It will be a form of policy dialogue engagement during which the Candidates will have the opportunity to present their viewpoints, plans, and programmes, and also point out weaknesses in the policies of their co-contestants and present alternatives to those policies and programmes," the statement noted.

The Institute encourages all candidates to utilise the debates to inform Ghanaians about their policies for addressing the country's challenges.

It is not clear if the two major parties will participate in the debate considering that the National Democratic Congress has already rejected a call from the New Patriotic Party's presidential candidate to debate him.