Pratt-Baako Debate: Postponed Until Futher Notice

The two senior journalists embroiled in a dispute over circumstances surrounding an alleged plot to overthrow the PNDC regime in 1982 are still considering the idea of debating that matter publicly. But it appears the two would rather debate the matter at a later time when they both have had enough time to assemble facts and evidence surrounding the matter.

Kweku Baako Jnr, Managing Editor of the Crusading Guide newspaper dared his long-time friend and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, to the public debate, which he (Pratt) immediately accepted. But Mr. Baako told JOY FM today that the debate will be held at a later time when both he and Mr. Pratt have collated relevant information on the matter.

The two journalists, other media practitioners and some prominent people held a meeting on Saturday during which it emerged that both of them did not have the full facts of issues that pertained at the time. It was therefore agreed that they gather enough evidence to make the debate worthwhile.

Mr Baako said although he had been gathering evidence for the past 20 years, it is still not complete because some people were unwilling to confide in him when the NDC was in power. ''We want the truth established. We have taken a position that it will be unfair, it will be judgemental if we go ahead now. We need to collate evidence. It is a question of reconciling outstanding issues'', he noted.

Mr Baako said after collating the issues, he would probably put out a notice that will answer all outstanding issues.

Mr. Pratt who readily accepted the challenge to debate his friend says once the necessary information has been gathered they can have a meaningful debate. He noted that in as much as members of the public are anxiously waiting for the debate, both of them are being careful not to damage the reputation of people whose names and activities will come out during the debate, hence the need to do proper planning.