The Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Malik Basintale has stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will not engage in a debate organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) if it is centered around the NDC and NPP.

According to Malik Basintale, a member of the NDC, the party believes that such a debate would not be a good assessment of all candidates.

“We believe that it will be a good assessment of all the candidates, so they can go on and debate. But we don’t want the IEA to centre the debate around NDC. The NDC is not a party to bring credibility to your debate.”
Malik Basintale, Deputy National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

He further asserted that anybody in the NDC can debate the Vice President on the economy,

Mr Basintale argued that he is ever willing to debate the Vice President, Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party ( NPP ) on the economy and would defeat him.

Dr. Bawumia Urged to Engage Other Candidates in a Debate

Mr Basintale argued that the IEA should invite other candidates of other political parties to debate the Vice President on the economy.

Mr Basintale mentioned that Dr Bawumia can debate the likes of Nana Kwame Bediako of the New Force, Bernard Mornah of the Peoples National Convention and Hassan Ayeriga of the All Peoples Congress.

He emphasized that any party presidential candidate can debate Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the NPP on the economy but not the National Democratic Congress flagbeaer, former President John Dramani Mahama.

Mr Basintale further pointed out that an 18-year-old girl debated Dr Bawumia at Techiman, adding that the nursing trainee student outperfomed Dr. Bawumia.

“A nursing trainee debated him for just one minute. His whole head was filled with sweat”, Mr Basintale remarked.

Meanwhile, the NDC Deputy National Communications Officer, Malik Basintale continued his arguement by emphasizing that he is willing to debate Dr. Bawumia on the economy, but only if the IEA was willing to allow other presidential candidates to participate.

“If they are willing to allow me, Malik Basintale debate Alhaji then we’ll engage them. Or if they are willing to let Adongo or anybody in the NDC debate Alhaji Dr. Bawumia, we would engage them.”
Malik Basintale, Deputy National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

However, Basintale made it clear that the NDC would not stop its campaign for former President John Mahama to debate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Mr Basintale also stated that the winner of the debate would not determine the winner of the election.

“What determines the winner of the election is who the Ghanaian people believe in, who they trust in, and we think that man with the hope for Ghanaians is his excellency John Dramani Mahama”.
Malik Basintale, Deputy National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), in an earlier statement, announced plans to hold presidential and vice-presidential debates ahead of the 2024 election in October.

Distinguished fellow of the IEA and former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo reiterated that the debates will provide electorates with a clearer understanding of policies and offer a platform for candidates to be evaluated.