Substance over form, no more ‘debate’ charades

As Ghana prepares to head to the polls on December 7, 2024, the call for a debate between the two major political parties has grown louder. But let’s not be fooled – debates are a mere spectacle, a theatrical display of rehearsed rhetoric and empty promises. What Ghana needs is genuine accountability, and that can only be achieved through separate press encounters where each presidential candidate is scrutinized intensively.

Debates are a charade, a staged event where candidates regurgitate scripted answers and evade genuine scrutiny. They are a disservice to the electorate, reducing complex issues to sound bites and platitudes. We’ve seen it time and again – candidates dodging questions, making empty promises, and hiding behind a veneer of charm and charisma.

In contrast, separate press encounters offer a chance for real scrutiny, for candidates to be held accountable for their actions and policies. Journalists can probe and challenge them, seeking specific examples and details that reveal their true intentions and capabilities. No rehearsed responses, no scripted answers – just genuine engagement and accountability.

But that’s not all. Debates often prioritise confrontation over substance, creating a divisive atmosphere that benefits no one.

Separate press encounters, on the other hand, foster a constructive dialogue, allowing candidates to articulate their vision and policies without interruption or aggression. This is what Ghana needs – a thoughtful and informed discussion, not a theatrical spectacle.

Moreover, debates are often limited to a select few, with candidate’s cherry-picking questions and avoiding the tough issues. Separate press encounters, however, allow a wider range of journalists to participate, ensuring that a diverse array of questions and perspectives are represented. This is essential for a nuanced understanding of the candidates and their policies.

Some may argue that debates provide a platform for candidates to engage with each other, but this is a flawed assumption. What we need is not a manufactured confrontation, but a genuine examination of each candidate’s leadership and policies.

Separate press encounters provide this, allowing us to assess each candidate on their merits rather than their ability to trade barbs and insults.

In conclusion, Ghana deserves better than a staged debate. We deserve genuine accountability, real scrutiny, and thoughtful dialogue. Separate press encounters offer this, and it’s time we demand it from our leaders. Let us reject the charade of debates and embrace a more informed, engaged, and democratic Ghana. The future of our nation depends on it.