We have tried John Mahama and given him all the chances but he failed – Kofi Bentil

Kofi Bentil, a well-known political commentator and Vice President of IMANI Africa, has expressed his disillusionment with the leadership of former President John Mahama.

In a recent statement, Bentil argued that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, John Dramani Mahama, has been given multiple opportunities to lead Ghana but has failed to deliver on his promises and expectations. According to Bentil, it is time for the country to move beyond Mahama's leadership and seek new direction.

Bentil’s remarks come at a critical time as Ghana prepares for its upcoming elections, with Mahama positioning himself for another shot at the presidency.

However, Bentil, who has been a vocal critic of the NDC, believes that Mahama’s past performance as president should be a significant factor in the electorate’s decision-making process. He contended that while Mahama had the chance to lead the nation, the results have been far from satisfactory.

In his statement, Bentil recalled Mahama's tenure from 2012 to 2016, highlighting what he perceives as major policy failures and mismanagement during those years.

He pointed to issues such as economic instability, rising unemployment, and the challenges faced by the education and healthcare sectors as evidence that Mahama's administration did not live up to the expectations of Ghanaians.

Bentil questioned why the former president, despite these shortcomings, would still be considered as a viable option for the country's leadership.

Bentil’s comments echo a sentiment shared by several other critics who argue that it is time for new leadership, as the country faces numerous challenges that require fresh ideas and approaches.

While Mahama has maintained a significant support base, especially within the NDC, Bentil believes that it is crucial for Ghana to explore new alternatives that offer a better future for the country.

However, supporters of Mahama have countered Bentil's claims, asserting that his previous term was marred by external challenges, including global economic crises and a series of natural disasters, which affected the country’s development agenda.

They argue that Mahama’s leadership was not given enough time to fully implement his vision for Ghana and that his leadership experience should be valued in the current political climate.

As the election season heats up, Kofi Bentil’s remarks have ignited further debate about Mahama’s suitability for a comeback. For many, Bentil’s stance represents a call for accountability and a shift away from the politics of the past, urging Ghanaians to carefully weigh the country’s needs against the track record of their leaders.