A Senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Kwame Asah-Asante, has stated that since Ghana has not formalized presidential debates in its electoral process, candidates cannot be compelled to participate.

He explained that, in countries where presidential debates are a standard part of the electoral process, they are institutionalized.

This comment comes in response to the Majority in Parliament’s call for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama to accept an invitation from New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for a debate ahead of the December elections.

In an interview with Citi News, Dr. Asah-Asante said if the NDC chooses to engage in a debate, they can, but they are not obligated to.

He recalled a similar situation in the past when the NDC, while in office, invited the NPP to debate, and the latter did not accept.

“Unfortunately, we have not institutionalised it, though it’s a good programme. Since you have not institutionalised it, you can’t force anybody. You can make the call but if the person says no, there’s nothing you can do, it will just fall completely from your hand.

“What the Vice President is asking for, if NDC wants to, fine, yes they can, but if they don’t want, then that’s it. You recall the NDC when they were in office they also called and the NPP also didn’t accept it,” he said.

Dr. Asah-Asante further suggested that Ghanaians should focus on questioning the presidential candidates on their policies during their campaigns.

“Let us see the campaign itself, that one, the two parties and all the parties have no choice but to give us their manifestos, give us the ideas. And we will ask them the questions, that they will answer.

“But this one [debate], you realise that one party will be ready and another will not, and that will not support the whole exercise. I think the least said about it the better,” the Senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana said.