Nana Addo: A Walking Contradiction?

Preface

Speaking to intellectuals, across board, on governance in Ghana, the impression formed, seeks to suggest policy contradictions amid dysfunctional leadership and insipid arrogance.

Confused Paradox

Caucus for Democratic Governance, Ghana (CDG-GH), appears to be of the view that Nana Addo is a walking contradiction. His informed choices, decisions and actions are a set of confused paradox. How can a President, stuck in economic mess crying to “fellow Ghanaians” to tighten their belts continue to fly extra- luxury planes, at will, costing the taxpayer millions of dollars instead of the Presidential jet? How can a President who calls himself a civil rights lawyer, (during 2020 election) kill eight “fellow Ghanaians,” who had gone to vote; to fulfill their civil rights obligations? How can a President sanction uncontrolled taxes to impoverish “fellow Ghanaians” and follow it up with e-Levy that picks money from the wallets of the poor people, against their will? How can the President give workers 4% salary increment (at an inflation rate of 27.6%) while he gives himself and Article 71 holders 76% salary increment? It will interest readers and taxpayer, to note that the President does not buy fuel ; he does not buy food; his cars and dresses are paid for by the taxpayer. His allowances are often more than his pay, so he does not feel the extreme hardship and suffering “fellow Ghanaians” are going through.

Cognitive Dissonance

According to a psychologist, Nana Addo is alleged to be suffering from cognitive dissonance: a man who does just the opposite of what he says. A man who promised to reduce fuel prices in 2016, as presidential candidate, came into office as President in 2017 only to increase the price of fuel by 400 % within five years. A man in whose plan of action, principles of probity, accountability, integrity and social justice do not exist. When he could not perform in his first term, he resorted to electoral malfeasance, rigging and shooting of “fellow Ghanaians” to cling to power in 2020 election. In his confusion, every economic mess of his, was laid at the door steps of Covid-19 and Ukraine/Russian war.

Economic Mess

The gravity of economic mess caused by Akufo Addo`s government, can better be seen by comparing 2016 economic data to 2022. Inflation in 2016 was 17,46 %, in 2022 the inflation is 27,60 %. A gallon of petrol was GHC 14.10 in 2016; in 2022 it is GHC 50.00. The cedi was 4,30 to the dollar in 2016; it is now GHC 8.00 to the dollar. The total public debt in 2016 was GHC 122 billion; in 2022 we have GHC 400 billion. The debt to GDP ratio was 56.9 % in 2016. In 2020 the debt to GDP is 84.6%. We have over 4 million (13% of population), compared to 1,5 million in 2016. Ghanaians are virtually living from hand to mouth; an epitome of wretched life . A President who uses 80% of his annual revenue to service his debt, and who borrows to pay workers, has no place in leadership. He lacks vision and competence.

Conclusion

Ghanaians (NDC, NPP, CPP, PNC ----) are morally obliged to work together to vote out incompetence and dysfunctional leadership. Indeed Akufo Addo is a “walking contradiction” who does not even believe in rule of law, social equity and justice. The centre of lawlessness, misplaced priorities, looting, institutional corruption, land-grabbing, twisting of judicial verdicts and the use of militia to kill and oppress the people, can no longer hold. The dichotomy of a non performing 78 year old President, who has no solution to his abysmal performance ; but shows insatiable desire to remain in office, is a mystery. Mr President resign now!!