President Nana Akufo-Addo has thrown down the gauntlet, urging former President John Mahama to face Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in a public debate ahead of the December elections.

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This follows repeated calls from Dr. Bawumia and other members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer to engage in a debate.

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However, the NDC has consistently declined, making it clear that Mahama has no intention of debating Bawumia.

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Speaking to chiefs in Tamale on Wednesday, October 16, President Akufo-Addo pressed Mahama to stop avoiding a direct engagement with the Vice President.

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He emphasised that such a debate would allow for an open discussion of key issues and serve the democratic process.

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The President further challenged Mahama to clarify his stance on critical matters by accepting the debate invitation.

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President Akufo-Addo noted that “We need somebody who’s reliable, whose work can be trusted, who is consistent, and who is clear-minded, and that is why some of us are saying, in fact, the majority of us in Ghana are saying, we want him and Bawumia to debate the issues in our country.

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“Why is John Mahama running away from the debate? Says he’s ready any day for the debate. Why is Mahama running away from the debate?

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“The people of Ghana deserve the debate so they can see who is doing what, saying what, and representing what. Mister Mahama, which is which?

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What should the Ghanaian people take from you as your position on the free senior high school? Is it safe with you? Are you going to continue it or are you going to review it?

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“Are you going to cancel it? None of those do we know from you. Nobody should be allowed to be president who cannot answer these questions straightforwardly. Yes or no?”

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