Millions of Ghanaians will this evening remain glued to their television and radio sets as Tamale plays host to the four Presidential Aspirants of the political parties with representation in Parliament in the Second Institute of Economic Affairs Presidential Debate. The first debate held in Accra a little over two weeks ago has left in its wake a mixed reaction from the public.
Most Ghanaians were happy that for the first time all the presidential aspirants came together under one platform to tell the electorate how they intend to address some problems if given the mandate. To some critics, however, the encounter was anything but a debate as it was labeled. According to them, it was merely questions and answers, which was not different from the IEA’s evening encounter with Presidential Aspirants held earlier. From whatever angle one would like to look at it, the most important thing is the ability of the presidential hopefuls to tackle issues of concern to the voter.
This evening’s event is expected to follow the same pattern. The only significant difference, according to the IEA, is that unlike the first debate which had four sessions, this evening’s debate will have three sessions and is expected to focus on governance and development issues.
The Tamale debate will however not be complete without addressing concerns on how to properly integrate the northern sector into the development agenda of the country. All the political parties have elaborate development policies of the three northern regions in their manifestoes and are expected to be on top of the discussion if such topic raised.
The three northern regions are the poorest in the country and bridging the gap between the north and the south has become the most overused cliché in the political diction of the country over the years. Unfortunately, no pragmatic development programmes and commitments have been made to bridge the ever-widening development gap. The doctor-patient ratio and teacher-pupil ratio in the three northern regions are unacceptably appalling while infrastructural development of social institutions still remains a dream.
Facilities at the Nyamkpala, Navrongo and the Wa campuses of the University for Development Studies cannot be compared to the well established Senior High Schools down south, while the status Tamale Teaching Hospital cannot be said to befit its purpose. Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and unfavourable weather conditions have conspired to rob the three northern regions of decent standard of living and it is hoped that the four presidential candidates will not leave Tamale without giving the people of the north the cause to hope for a better future.
The presidential candidates in this evening’s debate must also go beyond the usual artificial smiles and help diffuse political tension in the three northern regions as we approach December 7. This is an opportunity to prove to the people that there is no cause for alarm and that violence has no place in democracy. It will not be out of place if all of them are given time to preach their message of peace.
Due to an arrangement between the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and the Institute of Economic Affairs , this evening’s debate is expected to be aired live on more TV and Radio stations than the first one. All Ghanaians should use this opportunity to listen to their would-be leaders. This will not only inform their decisions as to who to cast their votes for, but it will also help them to hold them accountable when they are elected.
All said and done, it is the hope of all Ghanaians that both the organizers of the debate and the presidential candidates will take a clue from the first debate and hold a more civil and issue-based debate. We wish all the candidates the Best of Luck.
BY MANASSEH AZURE AWUNI, STUDENT, GIJ
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