Debate Bawumia if you believe he has been inconsistent with his vision – Afenyo-Markin tells NDC

If the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and their flagbearer, Former President John Dramani Mahama, believe that the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has been inconsistent in his vision for Ghana, they should accept to debate Dr. Bawumia, the Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has said.

Afenyo-Markin says the only way the NDC can attempt to expose the inconsistency of Dr Bawumia, if there are any, is through the presidential debate.

“If indeed the NDC believes Dr Bawumia is not consistent with his vision they should stand up for the debate,” he said during the launch of the NPP’s 2024 manifesto in Takoradi on Sundau Aust 18.

It is recalled that the Minority in Parliament criticised the Majority caucus for urging John Mahama, to debate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the December elections.

On Wednesday, July 24, the Majority caucus reiterated their call for Mr. Mahama to accept a debate invitation from Dr. Bawumia.

They argue that such a debate would give Ghanaians a chance to compare the two parties and decide who is better suited to manage the economy.

However, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, dismissed the idea, stating that a “driver’s mate” (referring to Bawumia) did not qualify to debate an experienced driver (Mahama).

He suggested that the Vice President should first debate the caucus’ spokespersons on the economy and budget before considering a debate with the former President.

Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that Dr. Bawumia lacks the experience to match Mr. Mahama, making a debate unnecessary at this time.

He highlighted the significant disparity in experience between the two politicians, which he believes does not justify a direct debate.

“Mr Speaker, monkeys they say play by sizes. Mr Speaker, how can a driver’s mate debate an experienced driver? Mr Speaker in this house the spokesperson for the Minority on the issues of finance is Honourable Adongo.

“The spokesperson for the Minority for the issues of the economy is Honourable Kwaku Ricketts Hagan and the spokesperson for the budget for the Minority is Honourable Ampem Darko.”

“Mr Speaker, we all know that the Chairman of the Economic Management team is the Vice President so the Vice President can only debate Honourable Adongo. He should debate Honourable Adongo or debate Honourable Ricketts Hagan.

“A driver’s mate cannot debate an experienced driver. Mr Speaker that is the fact. So, we throw the challenge, he should debate Honourable Adongo first, Honourable Ampem second, Honourable Ricketts Hagan third before he considers debating former president John Mahama,” he stated.

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