GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has confirmed the party’s readiness to participate in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary debates organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) ahead of the 2024 general elections.
On Thursday, August 22, the IEA launched a nine-member Presidential Debate Committee, chaired by Justice Sophia Akuffo, to facilitate discussions with political parties in preparation for the debates. The committee aims to ensure a process that encourages participation and focuses on issue-based, people-centered discussions.
In an interview, Justin Kodua emphasized the importance of these debates, stating that they provide a vital platform for political parties to present their visions and policies to the electorate. He noted that although the NPP had previously opted out of similar debates in 2014 and 2016, the party is now eager to participate.
“The reason we are interested in this debate is to articulate the vision our flagbearer has been sharing across the country for the next four years. Although we did not participate in 2014 and 2016 for specific reasons, this time, the party is ready for any debate. We believe that as a nation, we have made progress, and Ghanaians need to see which party presents the best and most credible manifesto,” Justin Kodua said during an appearance on Channel One News.
Meanwhile, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed reservations about participating in the debates, citing dissatisfaction with the IEA’s approach. The Mahama 2024 campaign team criticized the IEA for not consulting the NDC before announcing the debates, labeling the move as unacceptable.
Despite the NDC’s hesitation, the IEA remains committed to proceeding with the debate process, even if the NDC chooses not to participate.
