President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has criticized former President John Dramani Mahama for his refusal to debate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer.
Akufo-Addo asserted that Mahama’s claim of not wanting to “stoop low” for a debate is unfounded and indicative of his status as a “one-term president.”
This criticism follows Mahama’s continued reluctance to engage in a public debate with Bawumia, leading to speculation about Mahama’s view of Bawumia’s ability to address policy and governance matters.
The President argued that Mahama’s hesitance to debate is rooted in his previous one-term presidency and the associated political ramifications.
“I have heard Mahama say that he is not ready to debate Bawumia today or tomorrow because Bawumia is not in his class. I can’t comprehend the ‘class’ where Mahama thinks he belongs that prevents Bawumia from debating him.
“The only class I recognize him in is that of the five individuals elected as president since the fourth republic began in 1993. Sadly, one of them, Prof. John Atta Mills, has passed away.
Among the remaining four, one was voted out for poor performance during his tenure.
“So, if Mahama claims to be in a certain class, it is a class of one, where he stands alone. I don’t believe that’s the kind of class I would want Bawumia to be associated with.”
Akufo-Addo expressed hope that if Dr. Bawumia were to succeed him, he would also secure a second term.
“God willing, when Bawumia becomes president on January 7, he will be re-elected to continue the legacy, joining the ranks of myself, Rawlings, and Kufuor, who all served two terms. We’re not seeking a one-term president,” he emphasized.
