Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) Samuel Koku Anyidoho says he will compel his party’s Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama to take up the challenge and debate the flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Dr. Bawumia who is the sitting Vice President has expressed readiness to debate ex-President John Mahama on the economy and governance of the country, as he believes the NPP government has superior records.

Speaking at a youth connect program in Bunkpurugu in the North East Region, Dr. Bawumia taunted Mr. Mahama, saying the latter is running from a debate because he knows that the emptiness of his policies will be exposed.

“I am looking forward to a debate with John Mahama on the economy, and governance. I fear that he is avoiding the debate. His people say he doesn’t want to debate. He doesn’t want to debate because he knows I will expose the emptiness of his policies.

“He says he has a 24-hour economy that he cannot explain; it is as empty as an empty barrel. He cannot explain it, none of his people can. They say we will be exporting lions and elephants, but when we meet mano a mano, we can debate, and the country will see where our policies lie. That is where we should go; we should give the country an opportunity to listen to us. But if he chooses not to debate, I will sell my policies to the people of Ghana, and you will take the decision.”

But Mr Mahama’s aides have publicly stated that such a debate is not necessary, giving an indication that a much-anticipated contest of ideas between the two leading flagbearers will not happen.

However, speaking on Ghana Kasa on Kasapa 102.5FM, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Samuel Koku Anyidoho said he’ll do everything possible for Mr. Mahama to accept the challenge.

He stated that the former President should step down as NDC Flagbearer if he is not ready to debate Dr. Bawumia.

“Why are you running away from a debate? You are not an angel, you are not a redeeming saint from Heaven. You’ve been President for four and a half years, you were thrown out by over one million votes. So John Mahama, you have a record that is not too bright, you have a vision – 24-hour policy you cannot explain. Bawumia is daring you to a debate and your spokesperson says you will not avail yourself for a debate. Whether you like it or not, you will debate Dr. Bawumia. I will force Mahama to debate Bawumia. Two things here, if you are not ready for a debate, step down as our Flagbearer.”