Arrival Of Vice Presidential Candidates Heighten Political Atmosphere In Twin-City Of Sekondi -Takoradi

The political atmosphere within the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis has heightened following the arrival of Vice Presidential Candidates and other seasoned politicians in connection with the IEA's debate Tuesday evening. The IEA says all is set for this evening's Vice Presidential debate. According to Papa Kow Acquaye, the team is adding just a few touches to the final work. Papa Kow Acquaye also advised the audience who will be at the venue to obey the rules set by the IEA and not applaud. Vice Presidential candidates whose parties have representation in parliament will today take their turn at the IEA debate in Takoradi. All the four candidates have indicated their readiness for the debate. Speaking to journalists before leaving for Takoradi, Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur said he is fully prepared for the encounter. The General Secretary of the NPP, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie told Radio Ghana that the NPP's candidate is a practical man and will speak on the manifesto of the party. The CPP running mate Nana Akosua Sarpong Kumamkuma says she expects to build on the good record of her candidate Dr, Abu Sakara. She told Radio Ghana that the CPP has a track record which she will defend. An aid to the PNC leader Adama Akane also said the PNC running mate is fully armed for the debate. Meanwhile, the NDC and the NPP believe that the focus of this evenings IEA Vice Presidential debate will be shifted to Vice President and running mate to President Mahama, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur and running mate to Nana Akufo Addo, Dr Mamudu Bawumiah. Speaking on Radio Ghana's Current Affairs programme Decision Time, Osei Piesie Anto of the NDC and Saaka Salia of the NPP said the track records of both candidates are likely to dominate proceedings. But each believes its candidate has an edge over the other. For his part, the General Secretary of the PNC Bernard Monarh said it would be wrong to assume that its candidate Madam Matevi is not likely to make any impact because she is new on the political scene. The running mate to the CPP Presidential candidate Nana Akosua Kumankuma Sarpong says she expects to make a greater impact in tonight�s encounter with the IEA. She said Dr Sakara performed well in Tamale and she feels honoured to build on that. Nana Sarpong Kumankuma told Radio Ghana�s correspondent that the CPP has a track record which she will defend. The Executive Director of West Africa Civil Society Institute, Nana Asantewaa Afadzinu says she expects the two women Vice Presidential candidates to match the two men in today's IEA Encounter. In an interview with Radio Ghana, Madam Afadzinu said the vice presidential position is a very dicey one and that anyone who wants to occupy that seat should be up to the task. On women participation in parliament Madam Afadzinu said it should be focused on less talking and acting more to facilitate the 40% representation in parliament. The Founder of Ark Foundation, Angela Dwamena Aboagye says she hopes the vice presidential candidates will be themselves during this evenings IEA encounter. In an interview with Radio Ghana, Madam Dwamena said the records of the candidates on the past should reflect on how they will answer questions relating to the areas that the encounter will focus on which is Governance Social intervention and Natural Resources.