“When People Tell You Bawumia Was VP and Head of EMT, Ask Them If Madam VP Today Is” _ Kofi Bentil

The Vice President of IMANI Africa has defended former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia against criticisms over his role in the economic management of Ghana under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

According to a post shared on his official Facebook page on Sunday, October 25, 2026, he questioned why some people blame Dr. Bawumia for the economic challenges associated with former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta simply because he served as Vice President and head of the Economic Management Team (EMT).

He argued that people who hold Dr. Bawumia responsible for the country’s economic difficulties should consider whether Ghana’s current Vice President is the person directly running the economy.

“When people tell you Dr. Bawumia was the VP and head of EMT and so he is responsible for problems Ken caused, ask them if Madam VP today is the one running the economy?” he stated.

The IMANI Africa executive maintained that the position of Vice President does not automatically give its holder the final authority over government decisions. He explained that the Vice President’s role largely involves advising the President, who may choose to accept or disregard such advice.

“VPs have no power except to advise, and can be ignored,” he added.

His comments come amid ongoing public discussions about Dr. Bawumia’s responsibility for the economic challenges Ghana experienced during the previous NPP administration.

Although Dr. Bawumia headed the Economic Management Team, critics have questioned the effectiveness of the team’s work during his tenure. Others, however, argue that the Finance Minister and other officials responsible for implementing economic policies should also be held accountable for their respective decisions.

Ken Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister during much of the previous administration and played a central role in the government’s fiscal management.

The latest comments have added another perspective to the debate over Dr. Bawumia’s role in the country’s economic management and whether the Vice President should be held responsible for decisions taken by other government officials.

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