The Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has made a suggestion regarding the acquisition of state-owned properties by politically-exposed persons.

In a submission on JoyNews on March 9, 2025, Bentil suggested that politically-exposed persons should be prohibited from participating in the auction of state properties while they are in office.

According to Bentil, such individuals should not even be allowed to participate in the auction of state properties even after leaving office, unless a significant period of time has passed after their service.

He further argued that these rules should be clearly defined in a Private Members' Bill, which is being championed by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, which aims to prevent politicians from acquiring state properties.

“… Anybody who is politically-exposed may not, when they are in office or four years thereafter, purchase any state properties and cannot participate in an auction because of the gaming.

“When you say they will game the auction, who's going to do it? Is the politician not their friends? So that Private Members Bill, I haven't spoken to Okudzeto but I would want him to add that no politically-exposed person shall participate in an auction,” he stated.

He continued saying, “Four years after you leave office, you may not. That's part of the stewardship we're talking about. And of course, people say, oh, they will let their cronies go and do it. We will deal with some of these when we get there.”

Bentil expressed concerns over the troubling trend of individuals entering politics primarily to accumulate wealth, viewing it as a business venture rather than a platform to bring about positive change in the country.

He highlighted the dangers associated with this growing trend and culture, referencing how similar actions have led to civil wars in some countries.

Bentil cautioned that if this trend is not addressed, it could result in irreparable consequences for the country.

“But you see, we are creating a situation where people get into politics just to amass wealth and create capital. And it is bad for our country because in other places, it's led to civil wars. We should stop it somewhere. If you want to amass your property and get whatever, go to the private sector, go and work,” he concluded.

MAG/AE

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