NDC, NPP demand Ayariga inclusion in IEA debate

The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), have demanded the inclusion of People’s National Conventions’ Hassan Ayariga in the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) presidential debate.

The two parties told Joy News that IEA was being unfair in expelling Hassan Ayariga without their permission.

The PNC Presidential Candidate on Monday gave a litany of reasons for his inability to join the IEA presidential debate.

First, he told Joy FM he was down with Malaria. He also indicated he did not think it was right to hold the debate in the five-day mourning period of the late Alhaji Aliu Mahama. The PNC leader then angered the IEA by stating that the performance of a presidential candidate in the elections was not necessarily dependent on his performance on the IEA platform.

Ayariga’s remarks apparently infuriated the IEA Executive Director, Jeane Mensah, who told Joy News that the IEA would not accept him in the debate even if he changed his mind and decided to participate.

The NPP General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie however said the IEA was being too harsh on Hassan Ayariga insisting the comments he made were similar those made by the NDC when they initially refused to participate in the debate - a decision that was later reversed.

The NDC scribe, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, maintained that the ‘unilateral’ decision by the IEA boss was unfair not only to the PNC flagbearer but also to the other aspirants.

Asiedu Nketiah called on the IEA to reconsider its decision to bar Mr. Ayariga from the debate which has now been rescheduled to Wednesday.

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