The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a leading public policy think tank, has addressed allegations of bias raised by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
These accusations arose after the IEA announced plans to organize a Presidential Debate for candidates in the upcoming General Elections, which some perceived as favoring the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The IEA’s announcement followed a public challenge by NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to NDC’s John Mahama for a debate.
In response, Mahama’s campaign team accused the IEA of acting in the interests of the NPP by pushing for the debate.
However, the IEA, in a press release dated July 22, 2024, and signed by its Board Chairman, Dr. Charles Mensa, also a spouse to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, clarified its position.
The think tank emphasized that it has been organizing Presidential Debates since 2000, with a commitment to impartiality and public interest.
“The IEA is on record as having initiated Presidential Debates in the country in the year 2000, and has consistently pursued this noble public-spirited function with integrity, with the exception of 2020 where no Debates were organized because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement read.
Dr. Mensa further explained that the IEA’s July 17, 2024, press release did not indicate prior engagement with any political party or presidential candidate regarding the debates. The think tank intended to follow up the announcement with individual invitations to the candidates.
“The institute intended to follow its release with individual letters inviting them to the debates and other activities,” the release added.
This clarification aims to reaffirm the IEA’s commitment to fostering democratic dialogue and ensuring a fair platform for all political parties involved in the elections.
