The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has cancelled its Presidential Evening Encounter with Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, after he withdrew from the event without providing a reason.
The founder and leader of the New Force Movement was supposed to appear on September 18 at 6 p.m. as the first guest in the IEA’s scheduled presidential evening encounters and debates.
Flagbearer of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, was set to follow Cheddar on September 24, according to IEA’s schedule released on September 13.
Additionally, the IEA has planned its first and second presidential debates for October 22 and November 19, 2024, respectively.
It’s worth noting that the IEA has been organizing presidential debates and evening encounters since 2000 to promote issues-based elections and provide a platform for presidential candidates to discuss their policies and programs.
According to a press statement from the IEA, the debate is to influence democratic development by providing a platform for candidates to directly convey their policies to the electorate.
The IEA added that the debate platform will promote accountability and transparency, compelling candidates to elucidate their positions and rationalise their policies.
The institute reiterated that the debate platform will serve as an educational instrument for the electorate, which is a vital constituent of Ghana’s democratic framework.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its flagbearer will not participate in the debates, citing concerns about the credibility of the organisers.
This year’s debate will be chaired by former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, with Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, Dr. Abukari Mohammed Marzaq Azindoo, Rev. Charles Boampong Sarfo, and Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo among others, as members of the committee.