The Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accused former President John Mahama of attempt to avoid a presidential debate ahead of December elections out of fear to have his record exposed. Dr. Bawumia, who is set to face Mahama as one of the main candidates in December, has issued an open challenge for a presidential debate. However, the former President has so far declined the invitation.

Speaking after addressing thousands of supporters at Dansoman in Accra on Monday, Dr. Bawumia stressed that his main political opponent was refusing to debate because he would thus be exposed in his abysmal presidential record.

“The former President knows he cannot compete because, in every sector of the economy, the records show that we have performed far better than him,” Dr. Bawumia told the crowd. “He won’t come for the debate because he knows his bad record will be exposed. If he comes for the debate, I will show him something,” Dr. Bawumia added amidst cheers from the excited crowd.

Dr. Bawumia also highlighted the “bad records” of Mr. Mahama’s presidency, reminding the crowd of the four years of dumsor under Mahama, his failure to provide “even chalk” to schools, his opposition to Free SHS, cancellation of teacher and nursing trainee allowances, among others.

“We have not forgotten all these bad records. We are moving forward; we are making progress with digitalization. As President, he couldn’t provide chalk to schools, but we have provided laptops to senior high students. This is the progress the country has made, and we want to move forward and make it even better,” Dr. Bawumia concluded.