However, in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on July 11, 2024, Bridget Otoo expressed her disapproval of granting Dr. Bawumia the platform and visibility that a debate with Mahama would provide.

The Metro TV news anchor emphatically stated, “I will vote against John Mahama if he debates Bawumia! We are not giving a platform to that chronic, unrepentant, untruthful person.”

Bridget Otoo further elaborated on her position, suggesting that the NPP should organize debates featuring their candidate and other parties’ flagbearers, explicitly excluding the National Democratic Congress (NDC). “They can organize a debate for other candidates with him!” she urged.

Highlighting historical precedence, Otoo pointed out that the incumbent president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, successfully avoided participating in presidential debates during his campaign and still secured the presidency. “Nana Addo stayed away from debates and he did just fine!!!” she noted, emphasizing her belief that debates are not essential for electoral success.

The tradition of presidential debates in Ghana dates back to 2000, when the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) organized the first-ever debate. These debates have since become a fixture in the electoral process, providing a platform for candidates to outline their policy intentions and allowing voters to scrutinize the practicality of their manifestos.