The governing National Democratic Congress has made a U-turn with President John Dramani Mahama set to participate in the presidential debates being organised by the Institute for Economic Affairs.
NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah announced at a joint press conference with officials of the IEA that the president will participate in both the presidential evening encounters and the debates.
That marks a complete U-turn from the party’s position only a few months ago.
The party, through its Propaganda Secretary Secretary, Mr Richard Quashigah announced that neither then President Mills nor his vice would participate in the debates.
Party communication persons insisted the IEA could not be trusted to create fair grounds for the debates.
Mr. Quashigah said the government was only following convention that sitting presidents do not participate in the debates and that the governing party did not need the IEA debates to market its candidate.
The IEA insisted President Mills’ absence would not affect the debates.
Following the death of President Mills, many analysts said President Mahama should reverse the party’s decision in his own interest.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah said the party would resist any such move by the president.
But he announced Friday that the party had given Mr Mahama clearance to participate in all IEA events.
IEA boss, Jean Mensah welcomed the decision of the NDC, saying it would enhance Ghana’s democracy.
From: Ghana l Myjoyonline.com
