Political Observers Laud GBC's Presidential Debate Initiative

Representatives of two political parties and Independent Presidential Candidate that took part in the GBC Presidential Debate last night have commended the state broadcaster for giving their presidential candidates the platform to sell their vision to Ghanaians. Speaking to Radio Ghana�s correspondent on GBC's Current Affairs Programme Decision Time the representatives were of the view that unlike the IEA debate candidates addressed the specific questions thrown at them. The four Presidential aspirants who were excluded from the recent IEA debate had a chance last night to spell out their policies on the GBC Debate platform. They answered questions bothering on the economy, social intervention, Education, Agriculture among others. On the economy, the Independent Candidate Joseph Osei Yeboah stated that his government will expand the rural economy to boost agricultural production. He also noted that his government will enforce laws that will prioritise local interest especially in Commerce to provide leverage for Ghanaians. Mr Yeboah stressed the need for visionary leadership, which he said will propel the development agenda of the country. The UFP Presidential Candidate Kwasi Addai Odike said his government will create a competitive private Sector which will not countenance any foreign influence. More so, the country will add value to its products before they are exported. Mr Addai Odike also emphasised that he would ensure that lending rate are lowered to boost entrepreneurship. The PPP's Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom stressed the need to create more jobs to enhance the well being of Ghanaians. He also indicated that he will spearhead a disciplined economy, and also transform our raw materials before they are exported. Dr Henry Lartey of the GCPP said his government will build on the current macro economic climate which he described as enhanced. His government will also build the capacity of the nation's human resource especially in the agric Sector to promote his domestication agenda. The GCPP will also pursue a solar energy agenda. Meanwhile, the Presidential Candidate of the Progressive People's Party Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom says providing access and ensuring free and compulsory quality education from Kindergarten to Senior High School is what a PPP led government will embark upon when given the nod. Dr Nduom said this during a Presidential debate of what the various political parties will do to improve quality education. The debate was organised by GBC for political parties that did not have the opportunity to present their policies to the electorate on the last IEA platform. The Presidential Candidate of the Great Consolidated Popular Party Dr Henry Lartey believes building more schools both at the primary and tertiary levels to improve access without compromising quality is the way to go. The Independent Presidential Candidate Jacob Osei Yeboah said he will restructure the Ministry of Education by aligning it with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to build the skills of the youth. The Presidential Candidate of the United Front Party, UFP, Kwadwo Addai Odike for his part said main streaming Technical and Vocational training will be the focus of his government.