A prominent member of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Kwame Jantuah, believes that a presidential debate between Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama would expose Dr. Bawumia.

Mr Jantuah argues that Dr. Bawumia would struggle with basic questions about the prices of commodities like tomatoes and onions, revealing vulnerabilities in his knowledge.

“The debate will expose him. He will be asked how much is food inflation now, how much is tomatoes, and onions, what will he say?” Mr Jantuah said on the New Day show on TV3 Friday, July 12.

Meanwhile, Abraham Amaliba, Director of Conflict Resolution for the NDC, dismissed the idea of an economic debate, claiming that economic realities are already evident to Ghanaians.

Mr Amaliba highlighted that the exchange rate during Mahama's tenure was more favorable compared to current conditions.

“He should go and debate with the exchange rate. The debate he is looking for with Mahama will be a complete waste of prime time and even suicidal for Bawumia,” he added.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia had challenged former President Mahama to a live presidential debate to discuss their respective visions and policies for Ghana.

Addressing supporters in Bunkpurugu, North East Region, Dr. Bawumia expressed eagerness for the debate but doubted Mahama's willingness to participate.

“I am looking forward to a debate with John Mahama on the economy, on the country on the governance,” Dr. Bawumia said.

“But I am afraid that he is running away from a debate. His people say he doesn’t want to debate. I have never heard an opposition leader who doesn’t want to debate. But he knows I will expose the emptiness of his policies,” the NPP flagbearer added.

With Dr. Bawumia issuing the challenge, the decision to engage in a debate now rests with former President Mahama.

“He says he has a 24-hour economy which he cannot explain. It is as empty as an empty barrel. He cannot explain it and none of his people can explain it. They say they will be exporting lions and elephants.”

“When we meet mano a mano, we can debate, and the country will see where our policies lie and that is where we should go. We should give the country an opportunity to listen to us. If he chooses not to debate, I’ll continue to sell my policies,” he said.

In established democracies, presidential debates are a fundamental part of the electoral process, offering a platform for candidates to articulate their policies and visions to voters.

There's widespread clamor, including from civil society groups, for a debate between the leading candidates, giving Ghanaians a chance to hear firsthand about their plans for the nation.

Having issued the challenge, Vice President Bawumia now awaits former President Mahama's decision, placing the ball firmly in Mahama's court.