Ghana Minute.
Friday, 10 July 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 10 July 2026
Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Ghanaian press · Person

Kofi Bentil

Also known as: Mr Bentil

Kofi Bentil — Senior Vice-President of IMANI Africa who comments on governance, legal accountability, and policy issues in Ghanaian public discourse.

2026-05-022026-07-10

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. The Chronicle

    Recently, Senior Lawyer and Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, raised concerns about what he believes is a growing problem among some Ghanaian parents.

    The Child You Know And The Child You Don’t
  3. Business & Financial Times

    Ebo Afful In recent public discourse on TV3, Ghanaian lawyer and policy advocate, Kofi Bentil, has advanced a provocative governance reform.

    Kofi Bentil : Before they vanish, government appointees must answer
  4. Joy Online

    Senior Vice-President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has called for the leadership of the Electoral Commission (EC) to be appointed through a parliamentary process rather than by the President.

    ‘Electoral Commission appointments must come from parliament’ – Kofi Bentil
  5. Joy Online

    Lawyer and Senior Vice-President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has expressed doubts about the neutrality of whoever is appointed to replace former Electoral Commission (EC) Deputy Chairperson Bossman Asare.

    There is ‘zero chance’ Mahama will appoint a politically neutral EC deputy chairperson — Kofi Bentil
  6. Joy Online

    Lawyer and Senior Vice-President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has described former Chief Justice Sophia Akufo as one of the most principled figures in Ghana’s judicial history.

    Sophia Akufo proved political appointees can remain impartial – Kofi Bentil
  7. Joy Online

    Lawyer and Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has described former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s acquisition of a United States green card as “a victory” for him, while insisting that it does not protect him from possible extradition proceedings.

    Ofori-Atta’s US green card is “a victory” but no shield against extradition – Kofi Bentil
  8. Joy Online

    Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has suggested that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta could face the risk of physical assault if he returns to Ghana because of the public sentiment that has developed around him.

    Ken Ofori-Atta would be in danger of assault if he returns to Ghana – Kofi Bentil
  9. Joy Online

    Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has suggested that reports of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta being granted permanent residency status in the United States may indicate that American authorities have reservations about the legal processes surrounding hi

    Ofori-Atta’s reported Green Card status signals US does not fully agree with Process – Kofi Bentil
  10. Joy Online

    He invoked the legal doctrine of in loco parentis, a principle also cited by fellow panellist Kofi Bentil, to explain the moral and legal foundation underpinning that expectation.

    Bole SHS teacher violated professional code by engaging student sexually – Deputy Education Minister
  11. Joy Online

    Senior Vice-President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has urged investigators to conduct a comprehensive and objective probe into the death of University of Cape Coast student, Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, cautioning against premature conclusions driven by emotion or public speculatio

    Bentil calls for thorough probe into UCC student death, warns against premature conclusions

Monday 29 June

  1. Ghanaian parents prioritize material luxuries over character development

    Senior lawyer Kofi Bentil criticizes some Ghanaian parents for providing excessive material comforts to their children rather than focusing on discipline and character guidance, contributing to instances of misconduct that shock parents who believe their children incapable of such behavior.

    29 June 2026 · The Chronicle

Monday 22 June

  1. Lawyer proposes travel ban for departing government appointees

    Ghanaian lawyer Kofi Bentil has proposed that government appointees should be prevented from travelling outside the country at the end of a regime until they have fully accounted for their stewardship in office, citing a need to address accountability gaps and prevent officials from leaving before investigations and asset recovery can take place.

    22 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times

Saturday 20 June

  1. Electoral Commission appointments should go through Parliament, Kofi Bentil says

    Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice-President of IMANI Africa, has called for EC commissioners to be appointed and vetted by Parliament rather than by the President, arguing that parliamentary scrutiny would ensure the institution's neutrality and independence. He contends that presidential appointments of EC leadership carry political implications that undermine public trust and that politicians will appoint allies rather than objective candidates.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Kofi Bentil says zero chance of politically neutral EC deputy

    Lawyer and IMANI Africa Senior Vice-President Kofi Bentil has argued that the current appointment system for Electoral Commission leaders makes true neutrality virtually impossible, claiming the replacement for former Deputy Chairperson Bossman Asare will likely be affiliated with the NDC. He called for parliamentary vetting and approval of EC leaders to strengthen the Commission's independence.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Kofi Bentil praises Sophia Akufo's impartiality as Chief Justice

    Lawyer Kofi Bentil described former Chief Justice Sophia Akufo as one of Ghana's most principled judicial figures, arguing she demonstrated that political appointees can maintain independence and impartiality, noting her willingness to challenge government actions on principle despite being appointed by an NPP administration.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Ofori-Atta's US green card is victory but not extradition shield

    Lawyer Kofi Bentil says former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta's acquisition of a US green card is "a victory" for him, but it does not protect him from possible extradition proceedings. Bentil noted that even US citizens have been extradited to face prosecution abroad, and that permanent residency in the US is not immunity from legal processes.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Kofi Bentil warns Ken Ofori-Atta faces assault risk if he returns

    IMANI Africa's Kofi Bentil has said former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta could face physical danger from ordinary citizens if he returns to Ghana due to public hostility toward him, though Bentil believes the legal charges against Ofori-Atta are not serious and hopes he will return to face them.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. US green card grant to Ofori-Atta signals disagreement with Ghana process

    Kofi Bentil of IMANI Africa suggests that reports of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta receiving US permanent residency status may indicate American authorities have reservations about the legal processes surrounding his case in Ghana. Bentil said the green card is a signal that the US does not fully agree with the process, though he stressed it does not determine Ofori-Atta's guilt or innocence.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Bole SHS teacher violated professional code through student sexual misconduct

    The Deputy Minister of Education said the teacher in a Bole SHS sexual misconduct case bears primary culpability under Ghana Education Service's code of conduct, which expressly prohibits teachers from having carnal knowledge of a student or exhibiting conduct suggesting amorous intent, regardless of circumstances. Teachers are bound by the doctrine of in loco parentis, under which they act as surrogate parents and are expected to protect students in their care.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Bentil urges thorough probe into UCC student death

    IMANI Africa's Kofi Bentil has called for a comprehensive and objective investigation into the death of University of Cape Coast student Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, cautioning against premature conclusions. He emphasized that not every death constitutes a criminal offence and urged transparency to establish the facts, after police arrested 39-year-old Michael Mensah in connection with the case.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Kofi Bentil criticises parental overindulgence undermining school discipline

    Senior lawyer Kofi Bentil has criticised what he describes as parental excesses that undermine discipline in Ghana's schools, citing examples of overindulgence such as buying cars for children to take to school. His comments come amid heightened public concern following recent incidents in Ghana's education sector.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Newsfile panel to discuss resignations, Ofori-Atta case, student safety

    JoyNews' Newsfile programme on 20 June will host a panel discussion covering recent departures from public institutions, the legal implications of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta's permanent US residency, and safety standards in educational institutions.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Government denies plan to sell Ghana shares in London bank

    The Government of Ghana has denied reports that the central bank plans to sell Ghana's stake in the London-based Ghana International Bank, following concerns raised by IMANI Africa Vice President Kofi Bentil about the Bank of Ghana's financial decisions.

    16 June 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 6 June

  1. Government should not use ID cards to control porn access—Kofi Bentil

    IMANI Africa's Senior Vice President Kofi Bentil has argued that the government should not use national identification cards to regulate access to pornographic websites, contending that enforcing morality through legislation produces unintended consequences and citing historical examples like alcohol prohibition.

    6 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Anti-LGBTQ+ bill risks being used to oppress, Kofi Bentil warns

    Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has cautioned that Ghana's amended anti-LGBTQ+ legislation could be exploited as a tool for oppression despite recent revisions, and that the law may not effectively prevent conduct it targets but could expose individuals to rights violations and selective enforcement.

    6 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. IMANI Vice President opposes mandatory porn ID verification plan

    Kofi Bentil of IMANI Africa has criticised the government's proposed mandatory identity verification system for pornographic websites, arguing that while protecting children from harmful content is important, the state should not regulate adults' online consumption through national identification systems. The Communications Minister recently disclosed that the government is considering requiring users to verify their age and identity before accessing pornographic websites in Ghana, but Bentil warned the move could lead to abuse and state intrusion into private lives.

    6 June 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 5 June

  1. Newsfile to air discussions on anti-LGBTQ bill, porn ID law

    Ghana's Newsfile talk show will broadcast on Saturday, June 6, 2026, featuring discussions on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, a proposed national ID requirement for adult content access, June floods, and a court case involving security chiefs, with interviews from the Foreign Affairs Minister and Assin South MP.

    5 June 2026 · Joy Online

Sunday 31 May

  1. South African firms in Ghana must fund citizen evacuations — Bentil

    Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has called on major South African multinational corporations operating in Ghana to bear the financial cost of evacuating Ghanaian nationals fleeing afrophobic attacks in South Africa, arguing that these companies profit heavily from African markets and have a moral responsibility to support affected communities.

    31 May 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 25 May

  1. Ghana's legal system delays frustrate reform advocates

    A legal scholar and commentary on Ghana's justice system notes persistent court delays and systemic failures despite widespread recognition of problems by prominent lawyers and legal experts. The article illustrates how delayed justice affects ordinary Ghanaians—market vendors in land disputes, unafforded youth, and accused persons awaiting trial.

    25 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times

Monday 18 May

  1. Prof. Bokpin warns against aggressive mining sector nationalisation

    Economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin has cautioned Ghana against pursuing aggressive indigenisation or nationalisation of the mining sector, arguing that while the country has grounds to revisit mining lease agreements, policymakers must avoid emotionally driven decisions that could undermine investor confidence. His remarks follow calls by the Institute of Economic Affairs for Ghana to take greater control of its natural resources, including not renewing Gold Fields' Damang Mine lease.

    18 May 2026 · The Chronicle

Saturday 16 May

  1. Kofi Bentil calls for political tolerance to protect businesses

    IMANI Africa's Kofi Bentil has urged Ghana to move beyond partisan politics and protect businesses from being targeted based on perceived political affiliations, warning that national investments risk underperformance when viewed through political lenses rather than in the national interest.

    16 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. IMANI chief calls for comprehensive review of Ghana mining contracts

    Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, is calling for a comprehensive review and renegotiation of all mining contracts in Ghana, arguing that the country is now in a stronger negotiating position than when the original agreements were signed. He also cautioned against reliance on wishful thinking in resolving gold refining challenges, emphasizing the need for practical collaboration across the value chain.

    16 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Ghana achieved IMF stability, but structural reform remains unfinished

    Kofi Bentil of IMANI Africa says Ghana should not celebrate the end of its three-year US$3 billion IMF programme, noting that while macroeconomic indicators such as international reserves, import cover, and the cedi's strength have improved since 2023, the country has stabilised rather than restructured its economy and underlying weaknesses persist.

    16 May 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Legal education reform bill signed into law in Ghana

    President John Dramani Mahama assented to Ghana's Legal Education Bill on May 12, 2026, ending the Ghana School of Law's monopoly. A private legal practitioner praised the President, cabinet, Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine, Parliament members including Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Chief Whip Nelson Etse Dafeamekpor, and advocates such as Prof. Kwaku Asare and Kofi Bentil for championing the reform.

    13 May 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 2 May

  1. Bank of Ghana neither profit nor loss-making body, Bentil says

    Lawyer Kofi Bentil argues that the Bank of Ghana should not be assessed as a profit or loss-making institution, but as a body mandated to stabilise the economy. His comments follow scrutiny of the Bank's projected GH¢15.7 billion loss for 2025, and he calls for clarity on its financial position while noting that any losses must produce tangible long-term benefits.

    2 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Government defended for leadership during Ghana power crisis

    Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Finance Dr Theo Acheampong defended the government's handling of recent power supply challenges, saying clear leadership was demonstrated through timely communication and coordinated interventions following an incident at Akosombo hydro facility. However, Kofi Bentil of IMANI Africa criticized authorities for what he describes as "insincere" communication regarding persistent power outages.

    2 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Political interference, not weak leadership, caused energy woes—Kofi Bentil

    Lawyer Kofi Bentil attributed Ghana's recurring energy challenges to political interference rather than technical leadership failure, arguing the sector would function effectively if insulated from politics and professionals allowed to operate without undue interference.

    2 May 2026 · Joy Online

  4. IMANI lawyer criticises insincere power outage communication

    Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice-President of IMANI Africa, has criticised authorities for insincere communication about Ghana's power outages, arguing that energy challenges stem not only from technical issues but also from poor public messaging and political interference in sector decision-making.

    2 May 2026 · Joy Online

Kofi Bentil — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute