Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed his readiness to engage in a debate with his main political contender, John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, to speak on the economy and government issues ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Dr. Bawumia noted that the debate will provide Ghanaians with valuable insights into what both candidates have to offer in terms of their policies.

Dr. Bawumia made this known while addressing a mini rally at Bunkpurugu.

The flagbearer of the NPP is currently on phase two of his nationwide campaign tour.

“I am looking forward to a debate with John Mahama on the economy, on the country, on the government. But I am afraid that he is running away from a debate. His people say he doesn’t want to debate. But he doesn’t want to debate because he knows I’ll expose the emptiness of his policies.

“He says he has a 24-hour economy that he cannot explain. It is as empty as an empty barrel. He cannot explain, none of his people can explain. They say they will be exporting lions and elephants. But when we meet, we can debate, and Ghanaians will see where our policies lie. And that is the way we should go,” he said.

Earlier, Spokesperson to former President John Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, on July 9, dismissed calls for the debate, arguing that Dr Bawumia had failed to justify the merit of a debate.

Despite her stance, Joyce Bawah Mogtari said John Mahama would emerge as a winner in any debate against the vice president or any other presidential candidate.

A section of Ghanaians have been calling for a debate between the two top political figures.

These calls intensified after John Mahama had an interaction with the media to answer questions on various national issues.