Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament, Isaac Adongo, has criticized the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for challenging the NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, to a presidential debate on the economy.

The vice president and NPP flagbearer recently issued the challenge at a rally in the Northern region, claiming that the former president's economic policies are empty. He specifically singled out the proposed 24-hour policy as lacking substance.

In response, Isaac Adongo, in a write-up, dismissed the challenge as lacking merit or value, arguing that Dr. Bawumia lacks credibility to make such a call.

The lawmaker contended that the Vice President has no new policies to present to the Ghanaian people ahead of the elections, resorting instead to blaming the current economic crisis on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the COVID pandemic.

Adongo suggested that Dr. Bawumia is only seeking a debate to capitalize on the popularity of the former President to revive his failing political career.

"You have nothing substantial to contribute to any debate, except to provide us with pseudo-scientific explanations for COVID and the history of the Ukraine-Russia relationship! We do not want to hear any more excuses about COVID and Ukraine! Let's focus and be serious, okay.

"You cannot rely on JM's reputation to revive your floundering political career, characterized by failed economic management, debt distress, an insolvent Bank of Ghana, a significant depreciation of the Cedi, a cost of living crisis, and fiscal challenges," he asserted.

Meanwhile, the tone from John Mahama's campaign team indicates that the former president will not participate in a presidential debate with the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia.

MA/NOQ