Sports journalist Patrick Osei Agyemang, known as Countryman Songo, has urged the flagbearers of various political parties to engage in a debate ahead of the 2024 general elections. He emphasized that debates are crucial in elections as they provide a platform for political parties to explain their policies to the public.

As the host of the "Fire for Fire" show on Adom TV, Countryman Songo specifically called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, to agree to a debate before the elections.

“The debate between Dr. Bawumia and Mahama must happen. It is very necessary for a debate to occur during every election in any country. It allows the presidential candidates to explain their policies to Ghanaians. Nobody should be afraid or shy away from it. It is a great platform for two political party candidates to show us what they can do.

"There is civility now, so it’s not about bribing people to vote for you. There should be no excuse; it must happen at all costs. If the candidates are serious, they should agree and do it,” he said.

Countryman Songo highlighted the importance of debates in shaping elections abroad. “In the UK, there was a debate, and they are done with the elections. In the US, it was the debate that exposed Joe Biden’s weakness and ended up withdrawing from the race. If any of them runs away, they should not be voted for as president,” he added.

It is worth noting that Dr. Bawumia had previously challenged Mahama to a debate ahead of the elections.

However, Mahama declined the challenge, advising the NPP flagbearer to engage with the media instead.

Watch the video below:

The debate between Dr. Bawumia and Ex Prez Mahama must happen at all cost, no excuses. 🔥🔥🔥✊ pic.twitter.com/hMFkRHdbK3

— Patrick Osei-Agyeman (@countrymansongo) July 26, 2024