The National Organiser of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has emphasised the importance of a debate between the main opposition party candidate, John Mahama, and the NPP flagbearer.

Mr Boakye noted that Mr Mahama, having served as both vice president and president, has been discussing policies like the 24-hour economy, though the communication of these policies to citizens has not been effective.

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

Addressing thousands of his supporters on Wednesday night in Bunkpurugu, North East Region, Dr Bawumia said he was eagerly awaiting a debate with Mahama, but he was less optimistic that would happen because Mahama is "running away."

Speaking on the JoyNews AM show, Mr Boakye said, "I think that for me, we should not even include any other political party. I mean, these are the two main political parties. NPP, NDC, and I think they need to log on to this particular debate because, the NDC claims that a sitting vice president who is also the chairperson for the economic management team made some decisions, and they want to blame some of the challenges that we have regarding the economy on him. That is fine. That is their view. That view can be respected by some people. So why not debate?.”

The NPP National Organiser stated that debates provide an important platform for Ghanaians.

Mr Boakye mentioned that both NPP and NDC presidential candidates are currently touring the country to share their policies with the public, leading to high anticipation for the debate among Ghanaians.

He also noted that significant organisations such as the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), the Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA), and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) would be interested in the debate.

“They should create this platform for these two gentlemen. Recently, there was a programme organised by CEO Forum or Summit, where His Excellency the former President, Mr Mahama was there and the current Vice President, His Excellency Dr Bawumia, was there, and I think that both of them spoke, and it was interesting how the engagement was. I think they need to engage in this intellectual debate. People are looking for it, and it is very important we need to have it.”