Unfulfilled Promises Of President Akufo-Addo: A Critical Review

In a recent address, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu highlighted 18 unfulfilled promises made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. These promises, which were central to his campaign, have largely remained unmet, leading to widespread disappointment among Ghanaians. Here is a detailed review of these unfulfilled promises, with a focus on the Pwalugu Dam project, which stands out as a glaring example of unfulfilled commitments.

MARTIN KPEBU'S LIST OF UNFULFILLED PROMISES

1. Protecting the Public Coffers: Despite promises to safeguard public funds, reports of corruption and financial mismanagement have been rampant.

2. Personal Integrity: Akufo-Addo claimed he was too old to steal money and had his own wealth, yet allegations of corruption have persisted.

3. Economic Prosperity: The promise that "we are sitting on money but we are hungry" remains unfulfilled as economic hardship continues.

4. Transformational Leadership: The call to "try me and see" has not resulted in the promised transformation.

5. Anti-Corruption Stance: Despite claiming he was not corrupt and would never be corrupt, corruption scandals have marred his administration.

6. Self-Sufficiency: The promise to develop Ghana without borrowing externally has not been realized, with the country experiencing significant debt.

7. Rapid Development: The pledge to transform Ghana in 18 months remains unmet.

8. Non-Nepotism: The promise to avoid a family and friends government has not been kept, with numerous appointments of close associates.

9. Anas Principle: The commitment to fight corruption using the Anas principle has not been effectively implemented.

10. Tourism Development: The promise to make the Korle Lagoon and Odaw River tourist sites has not been fulfilled.

11. Industrialization: The ambitious plan to build a factory in every district has seen limited success.

12. Constituency Development: The promise to give each constituency one million cedis every year has not been realized.

13. Currency Stabilization: The pledge to arrest the dollar has not been achieved, with the cedi continuing to depreciate.

14. Fuel Price Stability: The promise that hikes in fuel prices would be a thing of the past has not been kept.

15. Sanitation: The pledge to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa remains unfulfilled.

16. Healthcare Infrastructure: The promise to build 111 hospitals has not been fully realized.

17. Educational Infrastructure: The commitment to build 350 secondary schools from scratch has not been met.

18. IMF Bailout: The promise that Ghana would never go to the IMF for a bailout has been broken.

THE PWALUGU DAM PROJECT: A Case Study in Unfulfilled Promises

THE PWALUGU MULTIPURPOSE DAM project is a prime example of an unfulfilled promise. Announced with great fanfare, the project was intended to provide irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. However, despite nearly $12 million being paid, not a single block has been laid on site.

The project was expected to create a reservoir with a surface area of 350 square kilometers, provide irrigation water to 25,000 hectares of agricultural land, and generate 60 MW of hydroelectric power. However, the lack of progress has left many questioning the government's commitment and transparency.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INCOMING MAHAMA ADMINISTRATION

To restore public trust and ensure accountability, the incoming Mahama administration should consider the following steps:

1. Transparent Audits: Conduct thorough audits of all major projects, including the Pwalugu Dam, to identify instances of financial mismanagement and corruption.

2. Legal Accountability: Ensure that individuals involved in malfeasance are prosecuted according to the law. This will serve as a deterrent to future misconduct.

3. Regular Updates: Provide regular updates on the status of major projects to the public. Transparency in communication will build trust and keep the government accountable.

4. Community Engagement: Engage local communities in the planning and implementation of projects to ensure they meet the actual needs of the people.

5. Strengthening Institutions: Invest in strengthening institutions responsible for oversight and accountability. This includes anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary.

6. Realistic Promises: Make realistic and achievable promises during campaigns. Overpromising and underdelivering erodes public trust and confidence.

In conclusion, the incoming administration has a significant opportunity to address the shortcomings of the past and build a more transparent and accountable government. By taking decisive action against corruption and ensuring the fulfillment of campaign promises, President-Elect John Dramani Mahama and the NDC can pave the way for a brighter future for Ghana.

#Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua

Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pwalugu_Multipurpose_Dam

Martin Kpebu lists 18 unfulfilled promises of President Akufo-Addo https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Martin-Kpebu-lists-18-unfulfilled-promises-of-President-Akufo-Addo-1708112