NDC’s New Leaders Have Not Matched Bawumia’s Credentials — Kofi Bentil on Leadership Challenge

According to a report by GhanaWeb on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has expressed doubts about the National Democratic Congress’s ability to present a strong political alternative to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, arguing that the party’s potential successors have yet to demonstrate credentials comparable to those of the New Patriotic Party politician.

Speaking during a discussion on TV3, Bentil examined the possible changes in the country’s political leadership and suggested that uncertainty surrounding the NDC’s future presidential candidates could influence the direction of the next election contest.

He pointed to the anticipated departure of President John Dramani Mahama from the presidency and the position of NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, while questioning whether Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson would seek to lead the party in a future election.

“There is a break in our political rhythm. President Mahama is leaving and Asiedu Nketiah is now leading. We’re not sure if Ato Forson is going to run,” Bentil said.

He argued that neither Asiedu Nketiah nor Ato Forson, should the Finance Minister decide to contest, had so far established a record strong enough to rival Bawumia’s credentials, adding that the emergence of new contenders could change the nature of the political competition.

“Whether Ato Forson or Asiedu Nketiah, I don’t think that this new horse has the credentials of Dr Bawumia. I don’t think they have put out enough to beat the record of Dr Bawumia. There’s going to be a whole new kind of race,” he stated.

Bentil also questioned who was responsible for certain developments within the governing party, asking whether President Mahama was fully aware of the decisions being taken and the individuals directing them behind the scenes.

He raised concerns about the demolition of markets and actions he said were disrupting the livelihoods of traders, arguing that such developments could deepen public dissatisfaction if those responsible were not held accountable.

“Ghanaians don’t like some things. We’ve talked about mind seizures, market destructions, destruction of people’s livelihoods,” he said.

In comparing the situation with Bawumia’s political approach, Bentil pointed to the former Vice President’s policy proposals, which he described as ideas intended to advance the country, while questioning why some communities were experiencing the destruction of property and livelihoods.

“We’re talking about ideas Bawumia is coming up with that are going to move you forward. People are destroying things all over the place and we don’t know who is in charge,” he added.

The IMANI Africa vice president further challenged the NDC to strengthen its internal organisation, praising the NPP for establishing what he considers a strong example of how political parties should organise themselves.

“NPP has done a fantastic job to set the standard for how to organise your party. NDC now has to rise to that challenge and has a hurdle to jump,” Bentil said.

Despite his criticism, Bentil maintained that he wanted the current administration to succeed, acknowledging that its performance had been satisfactory in some respects while noting that complaints over market demolitions and the treatment of traders appeared to be increasing.

His remarks focused on both the NDC’s future leadership choices and the government’s handling of issues affecting ordinary citizens, particularly traders whose livelihoods may be disrupted by decisions concerning markets and public spaces.

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