By GhanaNewsPage 
In a comment on Radio Gold’s afternoon political talk show “Pampaso”, the National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, dismissed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s challenge for a debate with former President John Dramani Mahama. Sammy Gyamfi’s retort, which likened debating Bawumia to debating Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, has sparked considerable controversy.
Sammy Gyamfi made the comments on Thursday afternoon during an interview with the host of the popular political program. The remark was in direct response to Bawumia’s public call for a debate with Mahama ahead of the December 2024 general elections. Bawumia who is leading the New Patriotic Party (NPP) into election 2024, has in the past few days been vocal about engaging Mahama in a debate to discuss their respective policies and achievements.
“John Mahama debating Bawumia would just be like you OB debating Abronye,” Gyamfi stated emphatically. His comparison to Abronye DC, a known firebrand and NPP communicator, was seen as an attempt to undermine Bawumia’s credibility and seriousness as a debate opponent. Abronye is known for his provocative and often controversial statements, making Gyamfi’s analogy a pointed critique of Bawumia’s debating skills and rhetorical style.
Sammy Gyamfi went on to elaborate his reasons, criticizing the Vice President’s economic management and governance record. He argued that Bawumia’s tenure has been marked by economic challenges and policy failures, making him an unsuitable candidate for a serious political debate with Mahama.
The Vice President’s call for a debate is part of the NPP’s strategy to contrast their administration’s achievements against the previous NDC government led by John Mahama. Bawumia, known for his articulate defense of the NPP’s economic policies, has often positioned himself as a strong advocate for the accomplishments of the NPP.
The NDC, however, appears to be downplaying the significance of such a debate. Gyamfi’s dismissal suggests that the party views it as a distraction rather than a substantive engagement on policy issues. The comment has ignited discussions across various media platforms, with supporters and critics alike weighing in on the appropriateness and implications of Gyamfi’s statement.
As the December 2024 elections approach, the political atmosphere in Ghana continues to intensify. Both the NPP and NDC are gearing up for a fiercely contested election, with public engagements and political rallies expected to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion.
Whether a debate between Mahama and Bawumia will eventually take place remains uncertain, but Sammy Gyamfi’s sharp retort has undoubtedly set the tone for the heated political discourse to come.