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General News of Monday, 19 November 2012

Source: Joy Online

I am ready, if IEA, others are for the debate - Nana Addo

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo says it will be difficult for the IEA to organize the second edition of the presidential debate if it cancels the November 20 edition set for the Banquet Hall, Accra.

He told Joy News’ Benjamin Tetteh he is ready for the debate.

There have been calls for the second edition of the debate to be postponed in honour of the memory of the late Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama.

The Presidential Candidate of the PNC Hassan Ayariga has pulled out of the debate in honour of the late Vice President. He also cited ill health as a reason for his pulling out.

But Nana Akufo-Addo told Joy News’ Benjamin Tetteh barring any contrary decision by the IEA, he is ready for the debate.

Asked if the death of the late Vice President should be good enough reason to postpone the debate, the NPP flagbearer said if there is a consensus by the organizers and the presidential candidates to that effect, he will oblige.

“When you look at the time, it is going to be a very delicate and difficult matter to rearrange the debate because we are at the homestretch. It will be...very difficult to find another occasion, at least as far as my programme is concerned.

“But as I said, subject to hearing otherwise, I am ready and willing and expecting the debate will come on tomorrow," he stated.

Meanwhile, the IEA has given indication it will go ahead with the debate despite calls for postponement.

The Administrator of the Institute, Jeane Mensah, told Joy FM the biggest honour they can give the late vice president is to go ahead with the debate.

She said except the PNC leader, all the other parties have resolved to take part in Tuesday’s debate.