Former President John Dramani Mahama's recent challenge to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to respond to 5 out of the 170 questions he Dr. Bawumia posed to the late former president Amissah Arthur about the economy raises important questions about leadership and accountability in our political discourse. While Mahama's insistence on rigorous economic policies on political platforms is commendable by some Ghanaians, his decision to decline the IEA's invitation for a public debate raises some inconsistencies in his approach.
The Importance of Public Debate
Public debates serve as a platform for candidates to articulate their policies, respond to critiques, and engage directly with the electorate. By turning down the IEA's invitation, Mahama misses an opportunity to present his vision for the economy in a transparent manner. Engaging in a debate would not only allow him to address the questions he poses to Dr. Bawumia but also demonstrate his confidence in his economic policies.
John Mahama's challenge to Dr. Bawumia could be seen as an attempt to divert attention from his own administration's economic and corruption record. Instead of focusing solely on questioning his opponent, Mahama should take the opportunity of the IEA debate to outline how his campaign slogan of "24hour economy policy" would differ and improve upon the current administration's approach. So far none of his economy policies are swaying enough to warrant a second coming. A proactive stance in a public debate would be more effective than issuing a series of rhetorical questions.
Political accountability is a two-way street. While it is crucial for Bawumia to answer Mahama's questions, it is equally essential for Mahama to be prepared to defend his own tenure in office, particularly regarding the economic challenges, dumsor and the wide spread of corruption that engulfed in his administration with 26 people standing trials. Voters deserve a comprehensive understanding of both candidates' plans and past performances.
But why is John Mahama running away from the IEA debate?
Former President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to turn down the invitation from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) for a debate on the economy raises questions about his confidence in addressing critical economic issues.
Probably he's avoiding
Scrutiny of his Past Performance of the economy. Mahama’s tenure as president saw a significant mismanagement of the economic marked by rising inflation and downward growth with growth declining steeply, public debt, corruption etc. Engaging in a debate would subject him to intense scrutiny regarding his administration's economic poor policies. A public forum could bring his past decisions into focus, and he may be concerned about defending those actions against a well-prepared opponent.
John Mahama is also a friad of Accountability. Don't forget that, debates are platforms for accountability, where candidates must provide clear, coherent responses to challenging questions. Mahama may fear that he would struggle to articulate a comprehensive economic vision that addresses the criticisms of his previous administration. This could lead to vulnerabilities being exposed, particularly if Bawumia effectively counters his arguments.
John Mahama is Uncertain in his Economic Proposals hence his position to turn down the invitation. The so call 24hour economy proposal with different explanations from Ndc members is a classic example.
If Mahama is still formulating his economic policies or lacks a clear strategy to address current issues, he might feel unprepared for the rapid-fire questioning that often occurs in debates. This uncertainty could deter him from wanting to participate, as he risks appearing less informed or decisive compared to his opponent.
Choosing to issue questions in a political campaign platforms to Dr Bawumia instead of participating in a debate can be a strategic move. By framing the conversation on his terms, Mahama may seek to maintain control over the narrative while avoiding direct confrontation. This approach allows him to challenge Bawumia without exposing himself to the same level of scrutiny.
Conclusion
In the spirit of fostering a heathy democracy, I urge Mahama to reconsider his decision to decline the debate with Dr. Bawumia. The best platform to ask your 5 questions is the IEA debate platform. Engaging in direct dialogue will not only clarify his economic stance but also contribute to a more informed electorate. Political debates are not just about scoring points; they are opportunities for growth, learning, and constructive dialogue on the pressing issues facing our nation. Let’s prioritize substance over mere rhetoric and embrace the spirit of robust discussion that democracy thrives on.
By
Mankir Ibn Malik
0242363737.