- NPP confirms participation in IEA's 2024 presidential debates.
- IEA establishes committee to organize debates with political parties.
- NDC expresses reservations about participating in the debates.
- IEA committed to holding debates despite NDC's uncertainty.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially announced its readiness to participate in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary debates organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). This announcement was made by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Thursday, August 22, during the inauguration of the IEA’s 9-member Presidential Debate Committee.
The committee, chaired by Justice Sophia Akuffo, is tasked with coordinating engagements with political parties ahead of the 2024 general elections. Justice Akuffo emphasized the committee’s commitment to fostering a debate process that encourages participation and focuses on issue-based, people-centered discussions.
Justin Kodua Frimpong underscored the importance of these debates in providing a platform for political parties to present their visions and policies to the electorate. He noted that while the NPP had opted out of similar debates in 2014 and 2016, the party is now eager to highlight its achievements and give voters a clear comparison of what each party offers.
Frimpong explained that the NPP’s participation in the debates is aimed at showcasing their flagbearer’s vision for the country in the next four years. Meanwhile, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed reluctance to participate in the debates, citing dissatisfaction with the IEA’s approach.
Despite the NDC’s reluctance, the IEA remains committed to continuing the debate process, even if the NDC opts out, emphasizing its history of successfully organizing debates regardless of non-participation by some parties.
Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, a member of the Presidential Debate Committee, reaffirmed the IEA’s openness to further dialogue with all political parties, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the electorate.
