The campaign team for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has declined an invitation from the Minority Caucus in Parliament to participate in a debate on the Mid-Year Budget Review.

Speaking on the issue with GHOne TV, an aide to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kofi Tonto, stated that there was no need for Dr Bawumia to participate in a debate with Members of Parliament.

According to him, Dr Bawumia will only debate the NDC flagbearer because they are both vying to lead the country.

“Generally, the idea is you put people who are neutrals to be the arbiters so how can you fix somebody who is an adversary and sit him on a table and ask him a million question clearly coming from a biased stand point.

“The point is this, we have equally competent people in parliament who can debate them. The vice president will debate His Excellency John Dramani Mahama because they are the two leaders vying to lead this country.

“And any other person who is vying to lead this country can participate in that debate. There is no issue and where from this whole thing that a group of parliamentarians are going to debate? Do you think a group of NPP communicators can call John Dramani Mahama and say that we are also going to debate John Dramani Mahama? Where will it end?...” he asked.

The Minority Caucus in Parliament on July 24, extended a public invitation to Dr Bawumia to engage them in a debate on the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2024 budget statement and economic policy.

The Minority asserted it is fitting for Dr Bawumia to be present and account for his stewardship over the past seven and half years given his role as Chairman of the Economic Management Team.

MAG/AE