Felix Kwakye Ofosu, an aide to former President John Mahama, has rejected the idea of a public debate between Mahama and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing it as a “dialogue for the deaf.”
He argued that engaging in such a debate would be unproductive due to the nature of Dr. Bawumia’s positions on national issues.
The comments from Kwakye Ofosu come after President Nana Akufo-Addo called for a debate between Mahama and Bawumia ahead of the December elections.
During a meeting with chiefs in Tamale on Wednesday, October 16, President Akufo-Addo emphasised that an open dialogue would benefit the electorate and allow for clarity on key policy matters.
President Akufo-Addo urged Mr Mahama to accept the challenge, asserting that a debate would offer the former president the opportunity to address critical national concerns and present his vision for the country.
He noted that such discussions are vital for fostering democratic transparency.
Despite the president’s push for a debate, Kwakye Ofosu dismissed the idea, saying that Bawumia’s track record on economic issues is filled with inaccuracies and that engaging with him in a debate would be futile.
He argued that Bawumia’s statements often misrepresent facts, making it impossible to have a meaningful exchange.
In an interview with Citi FM on October 16, Kwakye Ofosu reiterated that Mahama is focused on addressing real issues that matter to Ghanaians, rather than engaging in what he sees as a debate that would not provide any substantial value to voters.
“A debate with Bawumia will be a complete waste of time because it would amount to a dialogue for the deaf. This is a man who shamelessly propounds illogical and untruthful position, even in the face of the glary sun.”
“For instance, he is able to look Ghanaians in the face and tell us that an economy, which has defaulted on debt, is better than the one in which we used to pay our debts under President Mahama.”
“An economy in which you need about GH¢17 now to get $1 is better than the one in which you needed GH¢4 to get a dollar. The economy which owes GH¢760 billion which we cannot pay is better than the one in which we owed only GH¢120billion; which we were able to pay.”
“…So, when we have a candidate who thinks and reasons like this, it will be a complete waste of time to go and debate with him. Because he will be unwilling to move from the country of delusion to come to reality,” he stated.
Source: myjonline.com
