Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for the Abura Asebu Kwamankese has strongly condemned President Nana Akufo-Addo’s recent call for Mahama to debate Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Felix labeled the move as “hypocritical,” pointing out that Akufo-Addo had previously refused to debate Mahama when invited to do so.
This comes after the President pressed Mahama for clarity on his stance regarding the Free Senior High School policy, urging the former president to provide definitive answers. “What should the Ghanaian people take from you as your position on the free senior high school? Is it safe with you? Are you going to continue it? Are you going to review it? Are you going to cancel it?” he asked, adding that no one should become president without giving clear responses.
However, the President’s call for a debate has raised eyebrows, with many recalling that he himself avoided debating Mahama in both 2016 and 2020. “Why is Akufo-Addo now pushing for Bawumia to debate when he twice declined?” some political observers are questioning.
Meanwhile, Mahama, while not addressing the debate challenge directly, took a swipe at Akufo-Addo during a speech in Wa, asserting that his four-year term outshines the current president’s two terms. “Four years of a good leader is far better than eight years of a useless leader,” Mahama declared, emphasizing that his focus in another term would be on building a lasting legacy for Ghana.
With nothing left to prove, Mahama said his primary goal is to leave behind a strong legacy for both the nation and his family. “I think that four years is going to be more impactful than somebody who is thinking about the next election,” he added, stressing that he can make difficult, yet necessary decisions for the country without the fear of losing future elections.
In an interview on Campaign Uncensored on GHOne TV on Wednesday, Mr. Kwakye asked “How can a man who refused to show up for a debate when a similar process was made by President Mahama now suddenly call for a debate?”, adding that the call is a distraction from the government’s underperformance.
He also suggested that the President’s demand for a debate is a tactic to divert attention from the nation’s economic woes. “It will be a waste of everybody’s time… a dialogue of the deaf,” he remarked, further criticizing Vice President Bawumia for being “incapable of jolting himself into reality.”
Highlighting the deteriorating state of the economy under the current administration, Felix cited the falling value of the cedi and rising national debt. “At a time when the cedi is trading almost 17 Cedis to a Dollar, and Ghana has defaulted on our debts… how can they claim the economy is better?” he asked.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng