Jimmy Kutin writes: Will history be kind to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo?
History often serves as a discerning judge, sifting through the complexities of leadership to determine how political figures are remembered.
For President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, whose tenure as Ghana’s leader concludes at midnight today, this judgment is poised to be both challenging and insightful. Despite facing significant criticism and low approval ratings during his latter years, his administration’s accomplishments and challenges offer a rich tapestry for historical assessment.
Reflecting on the nature of historical judgment, it becomes evident that the lens of time often reshapes perspectives on leadership. While contemporary evaluations are influenced by immediate challenges and public sentiment, history tends to weigh structural changes and transformative initiatives more heavily.
Leaders who leave behind legacies of foundational progress, even amid criticism, often see their reputations improve over time. In the case of President Akufo-Addo, this dynamic is particularly relevant, as his tenure combined ambitious policies with significant obstacles. His administration’s achievements and shortcomings present a compelling case for how history might eventually view his leadership.
A Legacy of Transformation
President Akufo-Addo’s presidency was marked by ambitious policies and transformative projects across various sectors. In education, his Free Senior High School (Free SHS) and Free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives provided access to secondary education for 5.7 million students, fundamentally altering the landscape of education in Ghana.
This bold step democratized access to education and positioned the nation’s youth to compete globally. His administration also prioritised STEM education, building specialized centres and modernizing science laboratories, ensuring Ghanaian youth were equipped for the demands of the 21st century.
Infrastructure development was another cornerstone of his legacy. Akufo-Addo’s government constructed over 12,000 kilometres of roads and multiple interchanges, achievements touted as the most extensive in Ghana’s history. The expanded aviation and rail networks not only improved connectivity but also facilitated trade and regional integration. Such projects underscored his administration’s commitment to creating a modern, interconnected Ghana.
Significant strides were made in the health sector. The Agenda 111 project aimed to construct hospitals in every district, addressing long-standing gaps in healthcare infrastructure. The revitalization of the National Health Insurance Scheme expanded access to essential health services. Furthermore, his administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including securing vaccines early and establishing Ghana’s first vaccine manufacturing facility, earned commendation for its balance between saving lives and protecting livelihoods. These efforts highlighted his focus on building resilience in Ghana’s healthcare system.
Economic Challenges and Recovery
Economically, Akufo-Addo’s tenure experienced a pendulum swing. His first term delivered robust growth, with GDP averaging 7% annually and inflation kept in single digits. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic downturn exposed vulnerabilities. The decision to engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a recovery program highlighted the depth of the challenges faced. By the end of 2024, however, economic growth had rebounded, debt-restructuring efforts stabilized public finances, and Ghana was on the path to fiscal recovery.
Significant reforms in the mining sector saw Ghana overtaking South Africa as Africa’s leading gold producer. The establishment of industrial corporations for aluminum and iron demonstrated a long-term vision for resource utilisation and value addition. Yet, these gains were often overshadowed by the public’s perception of economic hardship, exacerbated by inflationary pressures and rising costs of living. Balancing immediate economic difficulties with the pursuit of long-term stability remains a defining aspect of his legacy.
Combating Corruption and Governance Reform
Akufo-Addo’s administration tackled corruption through systemic reforms, including the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and legislative actions to strengthen accountability. Budgetary support for accountability institutions saw unprecedented increases, empowering entities like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Auditor-General’s Office. The creation of six new regions and advocacy for elected Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) underscored his commitment to decentralisation and democratic empowerment.
However, critics argued that these reforms were insufficient. Perceptions of entrenched corruption persisted, and public trust in government accountability remained fragile. The President’s bold efforts often clashed with the public’s expectations, creating a narrative of unfulfilled promises in the fight against corruption. This duality—progressive reform amidst persistent skepticism—highlights the complexities of governance in a democratic context.
The Nature of Historical Judgment
History tends to evaluate leaders not solely by their approval ratings but by their contributions to structural and transformative changes. Figures such as Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, faced significant opposition during their time but are now celebrated for their visionary leadership. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln’s low popularity during his presidency did not prevent him from becoming one of America’s most revered figures. The passage of time often reveals the long-term impacts of leadership decisions, reframing narratives once clouded by contemporary controversies.
Historical judgment also reflects the broader context within which leaders operated. Economic crises, global pandemics, or political instability can influence perceptions, highlighting the resilience or shortcomings of those in power. In President Akufo-Addo’s case, his tenure coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant challenges, offering future historians a nuanced backdrop to assess his leadership.
Another critical aspect of historical judgment is the tangible legacy left behind. Infrastructure projects, policy reforms, and social programs are measurable indicators that often weigh heavily in posthumous evaluations. For President Akufo-Addo, the emphasis on education, healthcare, and infrastructure positions him as a leader focused on long-term gains. However, history will also consider how these initiatives were sustained and expanded by his successors, shaping the broader narrative of his contributions.
The Dual Lens of Leadership
The dichotomy of public perception and historical evaluation underscores the complexity of leadership. Leaders often make decisions that, while unpopular in the short term, prove beneficial over time. Akufo-Addo’s insistence on tackling illegal mining (galamsey) and implementing painful economic reforms reflects this duality. These actions, though controversial, align with a vision of long-term national interest. By prioritising structural reforms and sustainability, his administration demonstrated a commitment to future generations, even at the expense of immediate popularity.
This dual lens of leadership is not unique to President Akufo-Addo. Throughout history, many leaders have faced similar trajectories, where their true contributions were only fully appreciated decades later. The interplay between immediate public sentiment and enduring historical judgment remains a fascinating aspect of political leadership.
Public sentiment often reflects the emotions and priorities of the moment—focusing on immediate concerns such as economic challenges or social unrest. Historical judgment, by contrast, tends to analyse leadership through a broader lens, considering the cumulative effects of policies and decisions. This divergence can lead to leaders being misunderstood or undervalued during their tenure, only for their reputations to improve as time reveals the broader impact of their actions.
For President Akufo-Addo, this duality underscores the importance of long-term vision in governance. His administration’s focus on foundational reforms may not have garnered widespread acclaim during his time in office, but these efforts lay the groundwork for future development. If subsequent administrations build on his policies, his legacy may benefit from the ripple effects of his initiatives, affirming the adage that true leadership often requires planting seeds for trees under whose shade one may never sit.
Conclusion
Will history be kind to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo? The answer lies in the balance between his administration’s achievements and the criticisms he faced. While his tenure was marred by economic challenges and contentious decisions, his legacy of transformation in education, infrastructure, and healthcare offers a compelling case for historical redemption. If the seeds he planted yield lasting benefits, history may yet cast a glowing light on his leadership, affirming the enduring complexity of judging political legacies.
Ultimately, history’s assessment of the Akufo-Addo era will depend on the continued evolution of Ghana’s development. As the nation builds upon his administration’s efforts, the broader narrative of his leadership will take shape. Whether remembered as a transformative visionary or a polarising figure, Akufo-Addo’s impact on Ghana’s trajectory is undeniable. His story serves as a reminder that the true measure of leadership often transcends the moment, echoing through the corridors of history for generations to come.
By Jimmy Kutin