Akuffo Addo's Presidency Was an Error to Ghana

The presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, once heralded as a beacon of hope for Ghana's transformation, has instead left many Ghanaians disillusioned and burdened by what can only be described as a leadership misstep. Akufo-Addo, who rose to power on the wave of lofty promises and eloquent rhetoric, has presided over an administration riddled with economic mismanagement, systemic corruption, and a glaring disconnect from the struggles of the ordinary Ghanaian.

When Akufo-Addo assumed office in January 2017, he inherited a nation grappling with challenges but also with opportunities for growth. His administration initially enjoyed commendable economic indicators, thanks in part to a stable macroeconomic foundation laid by his predecessor. However, what began as a promising tenure quickly deteriorated into an economic nightmare.

The Ghanaian cedi depreciated at unprecedented rates under his watch, eroding the purchasing power of citizens. Inflation soared to levels unseen in decades, plunging households into dire economic straits. His government's excessive borrowing spree, ostensibly to fund ambitious infrastructure projects, instead ballooned the national debt to unsustainable levels. By 2022, Ghana's debt-to-GDP ratio had surpassed 80%, forcing the nation to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the 17th time in its history. This move, a stark contrast to Akufo-Addo's earlier assertions that Ghana was "beyond aid," underscored the depth of the fiscal crisis his administration had fostered.

One of Akufo-Addo’s cornerstone promises was to fight corruption. He famously declared, "I am not corrupt, and I will not condone corruption." Yet, his presidency has been plagued by high-profile corruption scandals involving government officials, with little or no accountability. The PDS scandal, the questionable Agyapa Royalties deal, and inflated contracts under dubious circumstances reflect a governance structure that has failed to uphold transparency and integrity.

Even more egregious is the president's seeming reluctance to hold his appointees accountable. His mantra of protecting the public purse became a cruel irony as allegations of nepotism and cronyism flourished under his leadership. Government officials were accused of living lavish lifestyles while ordinary Ghanaians bore the brunt of economic hardships.

Perhaps one of the most glaring environmental and social failures of the Akufo-Addo administration has been its inability—or unwillingness—to address illegal mining (galamsey) activities effectively. Despite promises to clamp down on galamsey, the issue spiraled out of control during his presidency. Members of his own administration and party were implicated in the perpetuation of these destructive activities, leading to widespread destruction of Ghana's lands and water bodies. Rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim have been rendered almost useless due to pollution, while vast tracts of fertile land have been destroyed, jeopardizing agricultural livelihoods.

The government's approach to combating galamsey has been half-hearted and politically motivated, with crackdowns often targeting small-scale miners while turning a blind eye to the involvement of politically connected individuals. This not only betrayed the trust of Ghanaians but also highlighted the government's complicity in an environmental catastrophe that will take decades to reverse.

Under Akufo-Addo's presidency, Ghana’s global standing as a bastion of press freedom significantly declined. Journalists critical of the government were harassed, threatened, and in some cases, killed. The infamous murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale sent shockwaves across the nation, with many accusing the government of fostering a culture of impunity. Media outlets faced undue pressure, creating an environment of fear and censorship that stifled dissent and public accountability.

Akufo-Addo's flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, while commendable in intent, was poorly implemented, leading to numerous challenges. The policy, though a relief to many parents, created logistical nightmares, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and poor quality of education. The rushed and politicized implementation of this policy revealed a lack of foresight and planning.

Similarly, the much-touted "One District, One Factory" (1D1F) initiative largely failed to meet its ambitious goals. While the program was marketed as a solution to unemployment and a pathway to industrialization, the results have been underwhelming. Many of the projects remain incomplete, with little to show for the millions of dollars allocated to them.

Perhaps one of the most damning criticisms of Akufo-Addo's presidency is his apparent disconnect from the everyday struggles of Ghanaians. While citizens endured fuel price hikes, utility cost increases, and deteriorating living conditions, the president and his government were often seen prioritizing extravagant projects and foreign travels. The controversial National Cathedral project, for instance, was pursued amidst economic turmoil, raising questions about the administration's priorities.

Akufo-Addo's presidency will go down in history as a period marked by squandered opportunities and misplaced priorities. What could have been a transformative era for Ghana turned into a cautionary tale of unfulfilled promises and governance failures. The Akufo-Addo administration’s legacy is one of economic instability, erosion of public trust, and a nation left reeling from the consequences of poor leadership.

The lesson for Ghanaians is clear: the allure of eloquence and grand promises must never again overshadow the need for competence, integrity, and genuine commitment to the welfare of the people. Ghana deserves better, and it is imperative that the nation's future leaders learn from the grave errors of Akufo-Addo’s tenure.

Ghanaians have however spoken in the just ended December 8, 2024, general elections to make a bold statement that Akufo-Addo and his cohorts cannot continue to sink this lovely country further in the mud.