In a strongly-worded statement released today, the Mahama 2024 Campaign team has accused the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Ghana for its unilateral decision to organize a presidential debate ahead of the 2024 elections, without prior consultation with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, spokesperson for the Mahama 2024 Campaign, expressed deep dismay over the IEA’s announcement, labeling it as “completely unacceptable.”

According to Mogtari, the IEA’s failure to engage with the NDC, one of Ghana’s major political parties, raises serious concerns about the institute’s impartiality and motives.

“The Constitution of Ghana does not confer upon the IEA any authority to undertake election-related activities,” Mogtari stated. “Their actions suggest a partisan agenda, acting as a front for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to manipulate the electoral process in favor of the ruling party.”

Mogtari emphasized that the NDC, led by presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama and running mate Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has a long-standing commitment to engaging with Ghanaian citizens across various platforms and addressing their concerns.

“Our engagements with the people of Ghana have been inclusive and meaningful, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed,” Mogtari affirmed.

The Mahama 2024 Campaign cautioned the IEA against invoking the NDC’s name to promote its activities, describing it as a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the party and undermine its efforts.”

In spite of the IEA’s actions, Ghanaians can rest assured that the NDC remains steadfast in its commitment to respectful engagement and advocacy for the welfare of all citizens,” Mogtari concluded.

The statement comes amid heightened political tensions as Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections, with stakeholders closely observing the conduct of institutions involved in the electoral process.