Government must be limited to powers given by citizens — Kofi Bentil

Lawyer and Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has advocated for tighter restrictions on government authority, asserting that public officials derive their legitimacy from the people they serve. Speaking at the Students and Young Professionals African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) 2026, Bentil emphasized that governments are established by citizens to fulfill functions that individuals cannot effectively carry out alone.

However, he cautioned against the concentration of unchecked power, warning that such concentration could lead to abuse and oppression. Bentil argued that the principles of limited government, rule of law, property rights, and fundamental freedoms are crucial to proper governance. He explained that limited government means governments are only authorized to perform specific functions on behalf of citizens.

Bentil stressed the importance of keeping governments in check, as history has repeatedly demonstrated the perils of granting unchecked authority to individuals or institutions. He noted that the misuse of power by those in positions of authority is a recurring issue throughout human history. Bentil emphasized that citizens must remain vigilant and recognize that political power ultimately belongs to them.

He urged them to evaluate governments based on their actions rather than their official titles. Using North Korea as an example, he pointed out that a government's name does not necessarily reflect its actual functioning. Instead of dismissing institutions due to imperfections, Bentil advised strengthening those that can deliver essential outcomes while striving to improve them.