NDC has been ‘more zealous’ in prosecuting opposition than its own – Kofi Bentil

Kofi Bentil, a senior lawyer and vice-president of IMANI Africa, has expressed concerns about the National Democratic Congress (NDC) applying justice selectively. According to him, the government has been more aggressive in prosecuting opposition figures while being more lenient towards its own members. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Bentil pointed out that both sides of the debate on selective justice have valid arguments, but the government's actions over its four-year term would be the strongest evidence to judge the claim.

He hinted that those arguing for selective justice would have sufficient facts to back their claims, while those who believe there is no selective justice would also have their case. Bentil emphasized that the government's treatment would be evaluated after four years. His remarks follow a massive demonstration by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Accra, protesting against the government's alleged undermining of democratic principles and weakening of key institutions.

The protest concluded with the NPP members presenting a petition to the Supreme Court and the Jubilee House. Bentil noted that two years into the NDC government's four-year term, there was enough data to start assessing the administration's approach to law enforcement and prosecution. He concluded that the issue is not just about individual prosecutions but also about whether there is a consistent pattern in how state powers are exercised.