Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has firmly dismissed the idea of engaging in a debate with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer.
In a bold statement, Mahama remarked that he does not see the need to “elevate Bawumia to his level” by debating him.
Addressing a gathering, Mahama emphasized, “He should go and debate the people of Ghana and apologize to them. I know my level.”
Mr Mahama also referred to Dr Bawumia’s comments in the lead-up to the 2016 general election when he asked him to debate the people of Ghana instead of Mr Akufo-Addo who was the NPP’s candidate at the time, citing how he made himself available for debates even as a sitting president.
His comments are perceived as a sharp critique of the Vice President’s performance, particularly in the economic management of the country, which Mahama has repeatedly criticized.
Mahama’s refusal to debate Bawumia settles a long-raging request by the NPP as the former President seems focused on directly engaging with the electorate rather than sparring with his political rival.
Bawumia, known for his economic rhetoric, has yet to respond to Mahama’s remarks.
The NDC candidate’s statement may set the tone for the intense political contest leading to the 2024 general elections.
Both parties are vying to win over an electorate increasingly concerned about the state of the economy, governance, and social welfare.
Listen to the full submission by Mr Mahama in the audio below: