The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed outrage and disappointment over the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA)’s announcement of a presidential debate for the 2024 elections without informing the party. According to Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a member of the Mahama 2024 Campaign team, the IEA’s actions raise serious questions about its motives and neutrality.

In a statement released by the campaign team, Mogtari emphasized that the Constitution of Ghana does not grant the IEA any authority to organize elections-related activities, including presidential debates. She accused the IEA of acting as a front for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and seeking to manipulate the electoral process in favor of the governing party.

Mogtari noted that the NDC, led by former President Mahama and his running mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, have been engaging with the citizenry for many years and do not need the IEA’s platform to connect with Ghanaians. She emphasized that any debate or engagement with the electorate should be organized in a fair, transparent, and inclusive manner, with all stakeholders consulted and involved.

The NDC’s concerns about the IEA’s motives are not unfounded. In the past, the IEA has been accused of bias towards the NPP, and its debates have been criticized for being stage-managed to favor the ruling party. The NDC’s decision to boycott the IEA’s debate is therefore understandable, given the lack of trust in the institution’s ability to organize a fair and credible debate.