Senior Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Kofi Bentil, has identified Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s association with the outgoing government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as his primary challenge.
In a recent appearance on Joy FM’s Newsfile on Saturday, February 10, 2024, Bentil, a seasoned policy analyst, expressed his concerns about the impact of the current government’s performance on Dr. Bawumia’s electoral prospects. Despite acknowledging Dr. Bawumia’s potential, Bentil lamented the perceived shortcomings of the Akufo-Addo administration, describing it as “more corrupt than the Mahama government.”
Bentil’s remarks underscore a broader sentiment among some Ghanaian voters disillusioned with the performance of the current government. He emphasized that while he personally would not support a second term for the Akufo-Addo government, the constitutional mandate necessitates a change in leadership, thereby affording Dr. Bawumia the opportunity to distance himself from the perceived failures of the current administration.
However, Bentil’s stance on Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy is not without nuance. Despite his criticism of the current government, Bentil has been advocating for Ghanaians to give Dr. Bawumia a fair chance to prove himself as a potential leader. He argues that Dr. Bawumia, compared to former President John Dramani Mahama, offers a preferable alternative, citing his track record and potential for effective governance.
In a recent Facebook post, Bentil reiterated his support for Dr. Bawumia, emphasizing the need for fairness and objectivity in assessing his candidacy. He highlighted the inherent limitations of the vice president’s role in Ghanaian politics, likening it to that of an advisor and stressing the importance of distinguishing Dr. Bawumia from the outgoing government.
Looking ahead to the formation of a potential Bawumia-led administration, Bentil urged the vice president to avoid retaining key members of the current government in his team, pledging to hold him accountable if he fails to do so.