The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) attempt to pitch together President John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo Addo on the same platform to debate has hit a snag again.

The leadership of parties on whose tickets the two are vying to be president from January 7, 2017 – the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) – have rejected the gesture by the think tank.

The IEA last Friday published on its website:

IEA 2016 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES DATES

The IEA is pleased to announce that the 2016 Presidential Debates will be held on the following dates:

1. First Presidential Debate Tamale 8th November 2016

2. Vice Presidential Debate Takoradi 15th November 2016

3. Second Presidential Debate Accra 22nd November 2016

But the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC Koku Anyidoho who was speaking on Onua FM’s Yen Nsempa morning show on Monday said “NDC will not participate in any debate organize by the IEA, and I’m repeating it, we will not participate, let the IEA gets it clear.”

The NDC deputy scribe however reiterated that President Mahama is ever ready to debate the flagbearer of the NPP, but that will only happen on the platform of National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

“We are ready to debate Nana Addo but that will only be on a credible platform like the NCCE and those that are organized by the national broadcaster,” Koku Anyidoho asserted. The NDC Deputy General Secretary insisted that the party once again, has not been informed about the latest arrangement, adding that it is a confirmation of the ‘disrespect’ the IEA has for the NDC and the President.

Meanwhile, the NPP has also joined the NDC to reject the IEA’s latest announcement. Speaking to host of Yen Nsempa, Bright Kwesi Asempa, Deputy Communications Director who doubles as the parliamentary candidate for Lawra, Anthony Karbo noted that the work of the party’s flagbearer is on the field.

He added that it will be better for the party to get closer to the electorates and explains its policies to them than being on television.

“Asempa, let us tell Ghanaians what we have for them than media debate. Nana will not go to any debate; if President Mahama wants to debate he should debate with Ghanaians.

Take it from me Nana will not honor IEA debate” the Deputy General Secretary said.