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Former presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party Dr. Arthur Kennedy has asked the flagbearer of the party, Nana Akufo-Addo to respond to the debate challenge by President John Mahama.
According to him, turning down the debate challenge from Mahama “would be a huge mistake.”
President John Mahama on numerous occasion has dared Nana Addo for a debate ahead of the 2016 general elections following what the president describes as 'contentious statements' made by his main contender.
Read more:Respond to my debate challenge - Mahama dares Nana Addo
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He said, an earlier challenge has been thrown to Nana Addo to debate him and stop making empty accusations but Nana Addo has refused to grant his request.
In a Facebook post, Dr. Kennedy said the two men must debate to show their understanding of enhancing Ghana’s democracy.
“While the President and the NDC were wrong to pull out of IEA events, including debates, it would be equally wrong for Nana Akufo-Addo to refuse to debate the President. Nana Akufo-Addo NEEDS that debate. Ghana needs it and Ghanaian democracy needs it.
See also: "Nana Addo has run away from one-on-one debate" - Mahama
“Hopefully, it can produce an iconic moment, similar to Tamale, when the candidates held hands and committed to peace. Let's have a debate, please!!” Dr. Kennedy wrote.
He said, "Early indications are that the NPP has turned down the President's offer to debate. That would be a huge mistake.
"The 2008 Presidential Debates were useful in helping the nation judge our Presidential Candidates. And so was the 2012 edition, except for the incessant coughing of Mr. Ayariga.
"Debates have become a very important marker for judging the maturity of a democracy. Since it made its appearance in the 1960 US Presidential debate, it has become an increasingly important factor, not just in US elections but around the world".
Meanwhile, the NPP said Nana Addo will not kow-tow to Mahama whims.
Spokesman for Nana Addo, Mustapha Hamid said, "the NPP’s campaign team will not kowtow to Mahama because they are not children."