Balanced critique: Ghana’s progress under President Akufo-Addo
The recent critique by Ghana’s Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah, of immediate past President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration has ignited significant debate.
While Armah-Buah’s comments lacked the decorum expected in parliamentary discourse, his concerns touch on critical issues.
This analysis evaluates Ghana’s progress under Akufo-Addo in key areas of the economy, security, governance and development, compared to previous administrations, particularly John Mahama’s, to foster a constructive discussion.
Economic performance: Gains, strains
When Nana Akufo-Addo assumed office in 2017, Ghana’s economy was under strain. Growth had slowed to 3.6 per cent in 2016, inflation stood at 17.5 per cent and the debt-to-GDP ratio exceeded 56 per cent.
These challenges reflected global commodity price shocks and an energy crisis that plagued Mahama’s administration.
Under Akufo-Addo, initial economic gains were notable. GDP growth surged to 8.1 per cent in 2017, inflation dropped to 7.8 per cent by 2019 and initiatives like Planting for Food and Jobs revitalised agriculture.
The One District, One Factory programme further supported industrialisation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted these gains.
By 2020, GDP growth plummeted to 0.4% and public debt soared to 98 per cent of GDP by 2023, exposing the vulnerabilities of heavy borrowing and insufficient revenue generation.
Comparisons
• GDP Growth: 3.6% (2016, Mahama) vs. 8.1% (2017, Akufo-Addo); fell to 0.4% (2020).
• Inflation: 17.5% (2016) vs. 7.8% (2019); rose again post-pandemic.
• Public Debt: 56% (2016) vs. 98% (2023).
Security, governance
On security, Akufo-Addo’s administration faced rising threats from extremist groups in the Sahel region. Efforts to modernise Ghana’s security apparatus included the National Security Strategy, increased police recruitment and investments in intelligence and border security.
Despite these efforts, challenges like illegal mining (galamsey) persisted, devastating the environment and displacing rural communities.
This issue has plagued multiple administrations, reflecting a broader governance challenge. Corruption allegations, such as the PDS Electricity Deal under Akufo-Addo and the Bus Branding Scandal under Mahama, further highlighted systemic weaknesses transcending party lines.
Development, social policies Akufo-Addo’s flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme is among his most lauded achievements. It expanded access to education for thousands of Ghanaians, reducing financial barriers.
However, poor planning led to overcrowded classrooms and resource shortages, raising concerns about the programme’s sustainability.
In infrastructure, the administration launched the “Year of Roads” initiative, prioritising transport development. While some progress was made, rural areas still lagged in access to essential infrastructure.
Mahama’s tenure, by contrast, emphasised major projects like the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange and energy sector investments that helped stabilise power supply.
Critique
While Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah’s delivery lacked the expected parliamentary tone, his critique raised valid concerns:
• Debt and Economic Management: Rising public debt poses sustainability challenges.
• Policy Gaps: Programmes like Free SHS, though ambitious, highlight resource and planning deficiencies.
• Environmental Neglect: The inability to address galamsey remains a significant policy failure.
However, these concerns must be contextualised within broader challenges, including external shocks like the pandemic and global economic instability.
Building on mixed legacies
President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration leaves a mixed legacy. Early successes in stabilising the economy, improving education access and maintaining Ghana’s democratic credentials were tempered by fiscal mismanagement, governance shortcomings and unresolved environmental issues.
As John Mahama returns to power following the peaceful 2024 Election, his administration must build on these gains while addressing systemic problems that have hindered Ghana’s progress. Armah-Buah’s critique, despite its flawed delivery, underscores the importance of accountability and constructive dialogue.
For Ghana to achieve sustained growth, leaders and citizens alike must prioritise solutions over rhetoric, focusing on the collective good to navigate the challenges ahead.
The writer is an Energy, Public Sector Analyst,
California, USA.
Email: tonynerc@yahoo.com