Executive Director of the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), Mensah Thompson, has criticised Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, for what he perceives as a deviation from principles of accountability in recent commentaries.
The letter, addressed to Senior Kofi Bentil, expresses concern over the shift in IMANI’s stance, traditionally known for holding leaders accountable. Thompson highlights Bentil’s argument that Vice President Dr. Bawumia should be given a chance to redeem himself, especially as he has not yet served as President.
Thompson challenges this perspective, arguing that absolving Dr. Bawumia of any blame for the country’s challenges over the past seven years solely because he held the position of Vice President is a stretch. He points out that Dr. Bawumia chaired the Economic Management Team and was part of the cabinet, which, in his view, makes it implausible to disassociate him from the governance decisions and their consequences.
The letter questions how IMANI, under Kofi Bentil’s leadership, can advocate for giving Dr. Bawumia a chance while simultaneously asserting that he should not be blamed for the country’s hardships during his tenure as Vice President.
Thompson urges Kofi Bentil to reconsider his position and stresses the need for accountability in governance. He contends that Ghanaians have endured significant challenges, including the closure of banks and the debt exchange program, and deserve a more candid and accountable leadership.
The letter concludes by urging Kofi Bentil to offer Ghanaians an apology for any potential misdirection or misleading statements made in the past, emphasizing the responsibility of opinion leaders in guiding the public towards informed decisions.
As this open letter gains attention, it highlights the ongoing discourse and scrutiny surrounding the accountability of public figures, setting the stage for a broader conversation on leadership and governance in Ghana.w