The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, says it is still not too late for President Akufo-Addo to accept his challenge for a presidential debate ahead of the 7 December 2020 general elections.
Mahama has been pushing for a presidential debate, saying it will deepen Ghana’s democracy and help electorates make informed choices in the December election. However, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the invitations, urging Mahama to redirect his energy into his campaign.
Addressing supporters at Atimpoku on Friday, as part of his four-day campaign tour of the Eastern Region, the NDC presidential candidate said it is still not too late for the president to change his mind, adding a presidential debate will help settle issues relating to the track record of both parties.
He said the ongoing construction of the Tema-Akosombo railway line is a product of the Mahama administration, following an agreement that he personally brokered with the Government of India.
“When we were in government, I traveled to India to meet the Prime Minister to get him to help us construct the railway line from Tema to Akosombo to ease the congestion on our roads and the agreement was signed and funding secured. But the project did not start until we left office. And that is why the debate between myself and president Akufo-Addo is important to settle all these issues but they said they won’t come; it is still not too late for him to accept to debate me,” he said.
Mahama also wished all farmers well to mark the National Farmers’ Day, and promised to transform the agriculture sector if he wins the presidential polls in December.
He said the next NDC government will revive the Akosombo textile industry to help create jobs and boost the local economy.
Mahama therefore urged electorates to vote for him and NDC parliamentary candidates in the 7 December 2020 general elections to enable the next NDC government to implement Free Primary Healthcare, as well as, Free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Free T-VET) and state-sponsored National Apprenticeship Programme to empower the youth with employable skills.
