Kofi Bentil, a senior lawyer and Vice-President of IMANI Africa, has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant in protecting democratic freedoms. He stated that citizens should not wait until their rights have been eroded before taking action.
Mr. Bentil emphasized that preserving democracy requires continuous vigilance. It also demands a willingness to challenge developments that could undermine constitutional freedoms. He made these comments on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
His remarks followed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration in Accra. Thousands of NPP members and supporters protested what they described as threats to Ghana’s democracy. They also cited the weakening of key state institutions under the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The demonstration culminated in a petition presented at Jubilee House, the seat of government. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin led the NPP delegation. General Secretary Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and the Chief of Staff to NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were also present. The party had previously submitted a separate petition to the Supreme Court.
Mr. Bentil acknowledged that arguments exist on both sides regarding selective justice in Ghana. He noted that those arguing for selective justice have facts to support their claims. Similarly, those who deny selective justice also have a case. However, he suggested that the government's record over its four-year mandate would provide the ultimate assessment.
He stated that the government and the governing NDC would be judged by their decisions and actions during their time in office. Two years of the administration's tenure have already passed. This allows citizens to begin assessing its record. Mr. Bentil argued that there is ground to suggest the government has been more zealous in prosecuting opposition members. He also noted a perceived zeal in freeing individuals from within its own ranks. This perception, he said, supports claims of selective justice.
For Mr. Bentil, the debate should not focus solely on whether democratic freedoms have already been lost. He warned against a situation where citizens only react after institutions and constitutional protections are significantly weakened. He has previously argued that democratic decline can occur gradually, not just through a single dramatic event.
He encouraged respect for demonstrators, regardless of agreement with their views. He stated that protesters put themselves on the line to push the boundaries of democracy. Mr. Bentil believes that citizens' willingness to challenge authority is a crucial safeguard against the concentration of political power. This active engagement helps ensure that democratic principles are upheld and strengthened over time.