Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is challenging the National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama to a national debate on general issues and policies.

According to Dr. Bawumia, a debate will help Ghanaians weigh the policies proposed by the two presidential aspirants.

Speaking at a mini rally in Bunkpurugu as he begins phase two of his nationwide campaign tour, Dr. Bawumia said it is unfortunate that the former President does not want to debate him.

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According to him, the former President’s 24-hour economy is as empty policy, which cannot be defended by the opposition.

“I am looking forward to a debate with John Mahama on the economy, on the country, on the government. But I am afraid that he is running away from a debate. His people say he doesn’t want to debate. But he doesn’t want to debate because he knows I’ll expose the emptiness of his policies,” he said.

“He says he has a 24-hour economy that he cannot explain. It is as empty as an empty barrel. He cannot explain, none of his people can explain. They say they will be exporting lions and elephants. But when we meet, we can debate, and Ghanaians will see where our policies lie. And that is the way we should go.”