Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, John Jinaopor has called on Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to address the soaring fuel prices and live up to his responsibility as head of the Economic Management Team.

The price of petrol has now exceeded 15 cedis after the latest pricing window.

The Minority Spokesperson on Mines and Energy emphasised that there is no need for debate with former President John Mahama, as demanded by the Vice President, given the deteriorating state of the economy.

He highlighted that the increase in fuel prices and the depreciation of the exchange rate will undoubtedly impact inflation and productivity, thereby increasing the cost of living.

Mr. Jinapor therefore urged the Vice President to focus on stabilizing the cedi and reducing fuel prices instead of calling for debates.

"The managers of the economy have lost it, and I think that Dr. Bawumia, instead of calling for a debate, should rather spend some time focusing on fixing the economy because the cost of living is going through the roof and we cannot continue like that," he stated on Tuesday, July 16.

He further criticised the government's handling of the exchange rate, asserting that the economic managers need to "sit up and do what is proper."

• Read also: Bawumia challenges Mahama to a live debate on economy, governance and policies

He pointed out that despite the "Bank of Ghana spending millions of cedis and dollars on the gold-for-oil programme, the currency is not stabilising, the cedi is depreciating, fuel prices are rising, and wages and salaries are stagnating. Everybody is suffering."

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP's flagbearer, has challenged John Dramani Mahama, the NDC's flagbearer, to a live presidential debate to discuss their visions and policies for Ghana.

Speaking in Bunkpurugu, North East Region, Dr. Bawumia expressed eagerness for a debate but suggested Mahama might avoid it.

He emphasized his desire to debate Mahama on key issues like the economy, national affairs, and governance.

Read also: There is no need for Mahama-Bawumia debate – Joyce Bawah

However, the spokesperson for the John Mahama Campaign Team, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has firmly rejected calls for a debate stating it is unnecessary.

Madam Bawah Mogtari in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, July 13, insisted that there is nothing left to debate, citing the country’s economic crisis as a critical issue already evident to the public.