Presidential debate: You’re clearly acting as a front for NPP — Mahama’s campaign jabs IEA

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Spokesperson for NDC flagbearer John Mahama's campaign

The campaign team of NDC flagbearer John Mahama has accused the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) of acting as a front for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) following the think tank's announcement of plans to host a debate for flagbearers.

In a statement dated July 19, Spokesperson for the John Mahama 2024 campaign Joyce Bawah Mogtari said the IEA's move to announce the debate without consulting the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) raises "serious questions" about its motives.

“The fact that the IEA has not shown the decency or respect to at least inform the NDC of its plans raises serious questions about its motives," the statement reads in part.

"The IEA is clearly acting as a front for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and seeks to manipulate the electoral process in favour of the ruling party," added the statement.

The Mahama campaign also cautioned the IEA against using the name of the NDC “to promote their activities, as this is a blatant attempt to misrepresent our party deliberately.”

It said the NDC has well-established platforms for engaging citizens and questioned the authority of the IEA to organize election-related activities without broader consultation.

The conversation around a presidential and vice presidential campaign has heightened following NPP flagbearer Drm Mahamudu Bawumia’s persistent calls.

However, the NDC has kicked against it, urging the Vice President to focus on fixing the country's ailing economy.