Sophia Akuffo
In a bid to promote issue-based campaigning and informed decision-making among voters, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has inaugurated a 9-member presidential debate committee.
This move marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s electoral history, building on the IEA’s legacy of hosting presidential debates since 2000.
The committee, chaired by former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, comprises esteemed individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
Their collective experience will ensure a rigorous and impartial debate process, fostering a platform for presidential and vice-presidential candidates to articulate their visions and policies.
The IEA’s presidential debates have become a cornerstone of Ghana’s electoral process, providing citizens with valuable insights into candidates’ leadership capabilities and policy proposals.
Previous debates have seen memorable moments, such as the 2000 debate between then-candidates John Agyekum Kufuor and John Evans Atta Mills, which set the tone for a peaceful transition of power.
In 2012, the IEA debates played a crucial role in shaping the electoral discourse, with candidates Nana Akufo-Addo and John Mahama engaging in a lively discussion on governance and development issues.
The 2016 debates further solidified the IEA’s reputation as a neutral and credible arbiter of electoral discourse.
-BY Daniel Bampoe