The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has inaugurated a committee to oversee the organisation of the presidential debates ahead of the December 7 election.
The committee is chaired by a former Chief Justice, Her ladyship Sophia Akuffo. At a ceremony to inaugurate the nine -member committee on August 22, she said they will not compel any political party to participate in the upcoming presidential debate and encounters.
The presidential debate by the IEA has been designed to afford presidential candidates the platform to articulate their policies to the electorate while enlightening the citizens to make informed decision at the polls.
The debate will also promote issue-based campaign among participating political parties and candidates. Members of the nine-member committee were selected from the clergy, industry and legal fraternity.
The Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo is serving as alternate chair.
The other members of the committee are; Dr. Abubakar Marzuq Azindo, Special Assistant to the Chief Imam, Dr Humphry Ayim-Darke, President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese and Salem Kalifah Kalmoni, Managing Director of Japan Motors.
The rest are; Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, Director of Research Policy at the Trades Union Congress, Dr Lawrence Tetteh, Founding President of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach and the Right Reverend Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Accra.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has served notice not to engage in any debate ahead of the December polls.
Mrs Sophia Akufo said the committee cannot compel any political group to participate in the debate adding; the committee is in place to serve the interest of Ghana.
She said the country needs bold and courageous leadership to advance the fortunes of the country.
The institute of economic affairs has scheduled two presidential debates to be held in November in Accra and Kumasi. A vice-presidential debate as well as evening encounters will also be rolled out.
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