IEA Encounter: Scared Akufo-Addo running away - Koku Anyidoho

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has had to postpone its encounter with Nana Akufo-Addo twice because the flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has no message for Ghanaians, Mr. Koku Anyidoho, a Deputy General Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said.

The IEA on Thursday announced for the second time, the postponement of its date with Mr. Akufo-Addo on its Evening Encounter platform.

A statement issued by the Institute said: “We regret to inform the general public and all of our invited guests that the IEA Evening Encounter with Hon. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo scheduled for 9 August 2016 has been postponed until further notice.”

Already, two presidential candidates, Dr. Edward Mahama of the People’s National Convention (PNC), and Mr. Ivor Kobina Greenstreet of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), have taken their turn on the platform. The NDC has boycotted the IEA platform.

Speaking in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom on Accra 100.5 FM on Friday, August 5, Mr. Anyidoho said the three-time flagbearer of the NPP is not turning up for the encounter because he has nothing to tell Ghanaians.

“Look at this IEA debate, we NDC decided not to participate in it, but the PNC, the CPP, and the NPP decided to take part. Ivor Greenstreet has participated; Dr. Edward Mahama has also had his engagement. [For] NPP’s Nana Akufo-Addo, on two occasions, the IEA has had to issue a statement that they had postponed the NPP’s flagbearer’s own due to circumstances beyond their control. What are those circumstances? The NPP has no message; the flagbearer has no manifesto, so they think that they can use the EC as their campaign message to continue to deceive their supporters that the EC is rigging the elections for the NDC.”

Mr. Anyidoho added: “Go to the IEA debate and give us something substantive. Even if it is a dog meat factory that you will establish, go to the IEA and tell us that you will build a dog meat factory. … Go and tell us how you intend to fund the building of your industries in every district.

Nana Addo has no message. If he goes there, he would be asked how he intends to build his factory in every district. He has no plan, so he is scared of the questions that he will be asked because he will be put to strict proof, he will be put to the test…live on television with everybody watching.”