Some politicians have instituted systems outside law to loot – Kofi Bentil claims

IMANI Africa’s Vice President, Kofi Bentil, has accused politicians of creating unlawful systems to exploit state resources, particularly in the allocation of state lands and vehicles.

According to him, these practices have allowed assets meant for the public good to be diverted to individuals without due process.

Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Mr Bentil criticised how state vehicles and lands are disposed of, stating that such transactions should strictly follow legal procedures outlined in the Constitution and Public Procurement Act.

“Our politicians, outside the law, have developed systems that allow them to loot us. Article 296 states that if you are given discretion, you must publish a process for how that power is exercised. Yet, these things have been going on for years, and it has resulted in the loss of vast state resources,” he pointed out on Saturday, March 8.

Mr Bentil also referenced Article 257 of the Constitution, which vests state lands in the President, and the Public Procurement Act 663, which outlines how public assets should be disposed of, arguing that the practice of arbitrarily allocating lands to specific individuals instead of auctioning them for the highest public benefit is a form of looting.

While commending President John Mahama for his recent decision to reverse improper allocations of state lands, he urged him to go further.

“In four years, he can establish clear rules under Article 296, ensuring that no state resource—be it a car, land, or building—is given to any private person except through a lawful process,” he suggested.

Mr Bentil lamented the extent of resource mismanagement, stating that Ghana has lost millions due to improper disposal of state assets and called for an end to the culture of politicians treating public office as an opportunity for personal gain.

Source: myjoyonline.com