'So Irresponsible': Watch as NDC’s Bernard Bediako clashes with Kofi Bentil

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has clashed with the Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, over the latter's commentary on the demolition of properties at Laboma and the seizure of cocaine worth over $260 million in a shipment from Ghana in France.

During a panel discussion on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 19, 2026, Kofi Bentil accused the NDC of having a record of destroying the businesses of Ghanaians anytime they are in power.

“... Look, the NDC's political tradition is known in our history as the one that destroys people's businesses. I don't think this government should continue that tradition. It's bad for everybody. We sat here during the revolution, and all kinds of industrialists were destroyed; they never rose again.

“You are back here again, and what they did in Laboma.. we are all against improper development and everything, but some of those structures were not in the way of floods, and nothing (sic) them,” he said.

He also claimed that the only way the nearly 4 tonnes of cocaine were shipped out of Ghana was because some government officials were involved.

Reacting to this, Bernard Bediako slammed Kofi Bentil for his description of the NDC and his allegation that some government officials played a role in the smuggling of the tonnes of cocaine out of the country.

He described his comments as “irresponsible”, adding that Bentil was doing the bidding of the opposition New Patriotic Party and its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

“You said that you are a Baunia fan. You are for him. You want him to win power. But we will not. I will not sit here and allow you to denigrate the entire NDC. This is unacceptable. Very unacceptable.

“You also said that people in power. I mean, you can't make such statements here, and I'll sit here… People in power know about this cocaine. Tell me about it. Tell me the names… is this the first time cocaine has been seized?” he fumed.

The NDC legislator demanded an apology from the IMANI vice president, but he (Kofi Bentil) maintained that there was nothing wrong with his submission.

Watch a video of the clash below:

BAI

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