In its efforts to strengthen the pillars of the nation’s democracy, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) will hold Presidential, Vice-Presidential debates and Evening Encounters with selected candidates between September and November this year. In line with that, the IEA will organise two Presidential debates in Kumasi and Accra respectively; one Vice-Presidential debate for selected candidates and one Presidential Evening Encounter, all in Accra. The Evening Encounters will be held in September while the Presidential debates will be held in October and November.
A Fellow of the IEA and former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, who announced this at the launch of the Institute’s 2024 Election Activities in Accra yesterday, said the exact dates, times and venues would be announced later after the IEA concludes its engagements with the various candidates and their respective political parties. She also stated that a Presidential Debates Committee (PDC) had been constituted and expected to be inaugurated next week to determine the ground rules that would govern the debates, encounters and to solicit questions from Ghanaians.
Justice Sophie said the debate series by the IEA were to provide a unique platform for Presidential candidates to outline their policies and vision of governance for the nation as well as to inform citizens to make informed decisions at the elections. She said the debates would also promote issue-based electioneering campaigns devoid of personal attacks and rancor as well as promote peace before, during and after the elections.