Felix Kwakye Ofosu, an aide to former President John Mahama, has rejected the notion of participating in a debate with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing it as a “dialogue for the deaf.”
His remarks come in response to a challenge issued by President Nana Akufo-Addo, who called for former President Mahama to engage in a public debate with Dr. Bawumia in the lead-up to the December elections. During a meeting with chiefs in Tamale on October 16, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the significance of open dialogue in a democracy and urged Mahama to confront Bawumia directly, suggesting that such a debate could shed light on Mahama’s stance on critical national issues.
However, Kwakye Ofosu, speaking during the Point Blank segment on Eyewitness News, firmly dismissed the idea of a debate, arguing that Dr. Bawumia’s positions on economic matters are fraught with inaccuracies and misleading claims, rendering any debate pointless. He characterized engaging with Bawumia in a debate as a waste of time due to what he perceives as the Vice President’s inability to engage in logical discourse.
“A debate with Bawumia will be a complete waste of time because it would amount to a dialogue for the deaf,” Kwakye Ofosu stated. He criticized Dr. Bawumia for allegedly making illogical statements and promoting untruthful narratives, even when faced with clear evidence to the contrary. He cited specific examples, including Bawumia’s assertions about the state of the Ghanaian economy, which he deemed as misleading.
Kwakye Ofosu pointed out the current economic situation, stating, “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.” He emphasized the contrasting economic indicators, highlighting that under the current administration, it now takes about GH¢17 to acquire $1, whereas under Mahama’s leadership, the rate was approximately GH¢4 per dollar.
He further criticized the current government’s debt levels, noting that the economy owes GH¢760 billion, which he argues cannot be repaid, compared to the GH¢120 billion debt under Mahama’s administration that was manageable. “An economy which owes GH¢760 billion that we cannot pay is better than the one in which we owed only GH¢120 billion, which we were able to pay,” he asserted. This, he contended, demonstrates a fundamental disconnect in Bawumia’s economic reasoning.
Kwakye Ofosu’s comments reflect a broader frustration among some NDC supporters regarding the economic management by the current government. He accused Dr. Bawumia of being out of touch with the realities facing Ghanaians, stating that engaging in a debate would not bridge the gap between Bawumia’s perceived delusions and the actual economic hardships experienced by the populace.
The backdrop of this political discourse is set against the increasing tensions and rivalries between the NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the December elections draw near. As political campaigns heat up, candidates are under pressure to articulate their policies and plans effectively while also addressing the criticisms leveled against them by opponents. Kwakye Ofosu’s remarks not only reflect the NDC’s stance but also serve to galvanize support among party loyalists by emphasizing a critique of the current administration’s economic policies.
The suggestion of a debate initiated by President Akufo-Addo has been viewed by some political analysts as a strategic move to spotlight the NDC’s position on various issues, particularly in the realm of economic management. However, with Kwakye Ofosu’s rejection of this proposition, it raises questions about the effectiveness of debates as a means of informing the electorate and whether they can genuinely address the pressing concerns of the Ghanaian public.
The discourse surrounding this debate challenge also highlights the broader theme of accountability in governance, particularly as both parties seek to convince voters of their respective capabilities to manage the economy effectively. As the election date approaches, candidates from both sides are expected to ramp up their campaigns, focusing on key issues that resonate with the electorate.
In conclusion, Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s dismissal of the debate challenge with Vice President Dr. Bawumia underscores the contentious political climate in Ghana as the December elections approach. His characterization of such a debate as a “dialogue for the deaf” reflects a significant level of skepticism regarding the Vice President’s economic assertions. As political rhetoric intensifies, the focus remains on the candidates’ abilities to engage with the electorate on the pressing issues that matter most to Ghanaians, particularly the state of the economy and the government’s response to ongoing challenges. The outcome of these political exchanges will play a crucial role in shaping public perception and influencing voter decisions in the upcoming elections.
