The Senior Vice President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Kofi Bentil, has reaffirmed his support for Vice President Dr Mahamaudu Bawumia and strongly urged Ghanaians to choose leaders who embody integrity, vision, and a commitment to transformational change.
In a detailed statement, Mr Bentil outlined his perspective on the political landscape, highlighting Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana, as the candidate best positioned to propel the nation forward.
“We all must rise and play our part in moving Ghana forward. We must be motivated by lofty ideals and dreams of a better Ghana not small thinking and fear. We must make choices for the future, not resign ourselves to small thinking and weak ideas. We must encourage those who show great promise and not retreat to a past we rejected”.
Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education
Reflecting on his journey as a public advocate since his days as a student leader in 1991, Mr Bentil recounted his consistent stance against bad governance across administrations. He recounted his criticisms of the shortcomings of the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, even when it was unpopular to do so.
He emphasized that despite supporting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2016, he has publicly opposed policies he considered harmful, including excessive borrowing and the passage of the controversial E-Levy.
His principle-driven approach, he asserted, ensures accountability and promotes solutions-oriented advocacy.
Why Dr Bawumia Stands Out
The IMANI’s Senior Vice President detailed why he believes Dr Bawumia is Ghana’s best choice for leadership, particularly when compared to former President John Dramani Mahama. His assessment of Dr. Bawumia included his strong commitment to work and ethics.
Dr Bawumia, Mr Bentill observed, works harder than anyone in the NPP, prioritizing national interest over personal gain. He also praised the Vice President for steering clear of individuals tainted by corruption.
“He avoided the corruption others were running to! He even cancelled bad deals like the interoperability deal which was overvalued by over ONE BILLION DOLLARS! other politicians would have gone for a cut of several hundred million and allowed the loot to go on!
“He cancelled it! and still delivered interoperability with a far smaller cost to the nation, today we all benefit immensely from mobile money interoperability which allows transfers across networks!!”
Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education
From spearheading projects like the Ghana Card to promoting interoperability in mobile money systems, Mr Bentil pointed out that Dr Bawumia has demonstrated a forward-looking approach to governance.
He additionally argued that despite challenges, including being sidelined in managing the economy post-COVID, Dr. Bawumia fought for reforms and ensured critical projects were completed.
Kofi Bentil contrasted Dr. Bawumia’s track record with that of former President Mahama, criticizing the latter’s past governance failures. “Both have been tried, but one had more chance than the other and failed,” he remarked, referencing issues like the mismanagement of the SADA initiative under Mahama.
He emphasized that while Dr. Bawumia has not yet served as President, his performance as Vice President has proven his capability, describing him as “the best Vice President we have had.”
The Future vs. The Past; Vindication Through Time
Mr Bentil framed the upcoming election as a choice between progress and regression. He argued that Dr Bawumia’s vision, focused on education, digital transformation, and modern infrastructure, is far superior to what he described as “tired and failed old ideas” offered by former President Mahama.
“If our future is in farming, it should be in large-scale commercial farming, not backyard farming,” Kofi Bentil asserted, urging Ghanaians to embrace leaders with bold, forward-thinking plans for the nation.
Reflecting on his past endorsements and critiques, Kofi Bentil expressed confidence in his decision to back Dr Bawumia. “Time has proven that no matter what happens, my support and confidence in DMB were not misplaced,” he stated, emphasizing the Vice President’s incorruptibility and visionary leadership.
“Many people did not know some of the details known today at the time I made those statements. I am glad that over time some of what I know has become public after the intense scrutiny on Dr Bawumia. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO BRING UP CREDIBLE CORRUPTION CHARGES AGAINST DMB.
“EVERYONE HAS SEEN THE MANY GOOD WORKS AND PROJECTS DMB CHAMPIONED WITHIN THIS GOVERNMENT. SOME PEOPLE HAVE COME TO MY POSITION AND NOW UNDERSTAND WHY I SINGLED OUT DR BAWUMIA AS THE BEST CANDIDATE EVEN IF I DIDN’T AGREE WITH EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED IN THIS GOVERNMENT. VINDICATION LIES IN THE WOMB OF TIME”.
Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education
As the election approaches, Kofi Bentil, the Senior Vice President of the renowned and leading policy think-tank, called on Ghanaians to vote for the future, not the past.
“Even if you’re still not sure, remember, it is better to go forward than backward,” he urged, endorsing Dr. Bawumia as the candidate best equipped to lead Ghana into a brighter future.
He concluded with a prayer for the nation, hoping Ghanaians would make the right choice in selecting a leader who embodies progress, integrity, and the promise of a better Ghana.
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