Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, urged greater political tolerance and protection for Ghanaian businesses on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, May 16, warning that Ghana risks undermining its economic progress by targeting enterprises associated with political figures during government transitions.
Shifting Focus from Partisanship to National Interest
Bentil argued that Ghana must move beyond partisan politics to foster an environment where businesses can thrive irrespective of perceived political affiliations. He stated that the nation’s development agenda suffers when major investments and business ventures are viewed through political lenses rather than through the prism of national interest.
The Case of Royal Ghana Gold Refinery
As an example, Bentil cited the Royal Ghana Gold Refinery, which he claimed is underutilized due to political perceptions surrounding individuals allegedly associated with it. He emphasized that regardless of the accuracy of these perceptions, political assumptions should not dictate the success or failure of national investments.
Protecting Businesses Linked to Politically Exposed Individuals
Bentil also referenced businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother of President John Dramani Mahama, asserting that businesses linked to politically exposed individuals should not become targets when political power changes hands. He posed a hypothetical scenario: if the NPP were to come into office, no one should attempt to dismantle Mahama’s businesses.
Separating Business from Political Competition
According to Bentil, Ghana must begin to decouple business development from partisan political competition if it is serious about achieving industrial growth and long-term economic transformation. He stressed that investors and entrepreneurs deserve encouragement and protection, provided their businesses operate within legal frameworks, regardless of their perceived political connections.
Praise for Local Entrepreneurship Amidst Concerns
The IMANI Africa executive lauded the efforts of Ghanaian businessman Daniel McKorley, widely known as McDan, particularly his ongoing developments in Ada. Bentil described McDan’s work as
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