IEA 2008 Presidential Debates Tamale

The political climate in 2008 was different as the incumbent President and his Vice President had reached the constitutionally defined term limits and therefore was no longer eligible to contest again. This introduced a new dimension to the Presidential Debate. Thus in 2008, for the first time since 1992, neither the sitting President nor His Vice-President were contesting the elections. This provided a new playing field for presidential candidates eager to inherit political power from the outgoing President and His Vice. The incumbent party, the NPP elected Nana Akufo-Addo as Flagbearer to retain power for the Party.

The candidates who participated in the Debate were:
• Hon. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party
• Professor John Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress
• Dr. Edward Nasigri Mahama of the People’s National Convention
• Hon. Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom of the Convention People’s Party