The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has responded to President Akufo-Addo’s call for him to debate Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Speaking to supporters in the Ningo Prampram Constituency of the Greater Accra region, Mr Mahama dismissed the idea of a debate with Bawumia, stating that engaging with him would only serve to elevate the Vice President.

The comments from Mr Mahama came after President Akufo-Addo suggested that Mr Mahama was avoiding a debate with Dr Bawumia because he feared the Vice President would expose the weaknesses in his policies.

• Read also: Why are you running away from debating Bawumia? – Akufo-Addo asks Mahama

According to Akufo-Addo, Mahama was reluctant to engage in a public exchange that could highlight the supposed shortcomings of his plans for the country.

In response on Thursday, October 17, Mr Mahama rejected the president's argument, stating that it was unnecessary to debate Bawumia.

Instead, he said that Bawumia should focus on debating the Ghanaian people and addressing the failings of the government.

Mr Mahama particularly pointed out Bawumia's role as head of the Economic Management Team, holding him responsible for the country’s economic challenges.

He further called on Dr. Bawumia to apologise to Ghanaians for the government's economic mismanagement.

He noted that the Vice President should take responsibility for the economic hardships facing the nation instead of seeking a debate to deflect from his administration’s failures.

"I will not bring Bawumia to my level by debating him. He should go and debate the people of Ghana and apologise to them. I know my level," he stated.