The Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA) has stated that it will go ahead with Tuesday’s debate despite the decision of the People's National Convention (PNC) flagbearer to pull out.

Hassan Ayariga on Monday said he was not feeling too well and hoped that the debate will be postponed to a later date.

"I'm down with malaria, fever and cough. I can make it but I cannot go,” a coughing Hassan Ayariga said insisting that he also intends to honour the memory of the late Former Vice President by not going for the debate.

But the Executive Director of IEA, Jean Mensah in an interview with XYZ News said the excuses being giving by the PNC flagbearer are surprising to the institute.

“Well we have not received official communication from him, what we heard him on TV3 indicating this morning but his voice was very strong.

“I Noticed that he was coughing just like I am coughing but his voice was very strong…so this is surprising to us.

Meanwhile, the NDC, NPP and the CPP say they are ready for Tuesday’s debate.

The communications director for the John Mahama Campaign Team Hannah Tetteh told XYZ News that the President’s commitment towards the program has not changed.

The National Chairman of the NPP, Jake Obitsebi Lamptey also said the NPP will appear at the debate in honour of the departed former Vice President Alhaji Mahama.

“I don’t think there is any constraint on anybody, they have to attend the debate but every presidential candidate is free to make his own choice”.