By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
The government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which began in January 2017, has been a focal point of intense debate and scrutiny. Ashantibiz News conducted a field research study in Kumasi to unpack the complex legacy of his administration against the backdrop of his promises and performance in various sectors.
Promises and Performance Analysis
- Security:
- Promises: The President pledged to enhance national security through better funding and resources for the police and military.
- Performance: While crime statistics show mixed results, citizens express concerns about increased armed robberies and vigilantism. The perception of insecurity, particularly in urban areas, remains prevalent.
- Employment:
- Promises: The introduction of initiatives like the “Planting for Food and Jobs” aimed at job creation.
- Performance: Critics argue that despite these initiatives, youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, with many young Ghanaians struggling to find stable employment.
- Exchange Rate:
- Promises: Stabilizing the cedi was a cornerstone promise to boost investor confidence.
- Performance: The cedi has seen significant fluctuations, leading to increased costs of living and public frustration over inflation rates.
- Agriculture:
- Promises: A commitment to modernizing agriculture and making it a key economic driver.
- Performance: Initiatives like subsidies have had mixed success, with some farmers still facing challenges related to access and sustainability.
- Education:
- Promises: The Free Senior High School policy was a landmark initiative meant to increase access to education.
- Performance: While access has improved, concerns remain over the quality of education and infrastructure deficits.
- Health:
- Promises: Promised improvements in healthcare accessibility and quality.
- Performance: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed existing flaws in the health system, but vaccine rollout and management received some praise.
- Roads and Transportation:
- Promises: The government highlighted infrastructure development as a priority.
- Performance: While some roads have been constructed or refurbished, many citizens cite poor road conditions as a continuing issue.
- Energy:
- Promises: Promises of consistent power supply and job creation in the energy sector.
- Performance: Ghana has experienced relatively stable power supply compared to previous years, but ongoing issues of billing and energy cost persist.
- Judiciary and Public Sector Reforms:
- Performance: The judiciary remains a controversial topic; public confidence has been tested amid allegations of corruption within the sector. Calls for reform have yet to be adequately addressed.
- Corruption and Nepotism:
- Performance: The anti-corruption narrative has faced significant backlash, with allegations against high-profile members of the government leading to widespread public dissatisfaction. The issue of nepotism within high-ranking government positions has continuously surfaced.
The Future of NPP: Breaking the Eight
With the 2024 elections approaching, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) faces a significant challenge in maintaining power. Under the leadership of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his running mate, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the party will need to navigate public sentiment shaped by previous promises and perceived failures.
Challenges and Opportunities:
- Perception of Economic Hardship: The stark reality of economic hardship amid rising inflation and living costs has eroded some public support for the NPP, presenting a formidable hurdle.
- Corruption and Governance: Addressing public concerns about corruption and nepotism will be critical to restoring faith in the party.
- Maintaining Party Unity: A divided party may struggle to present a cohesive and appealing front to the electorate.
The legacy of the Akufo-Addo administration is mixed, characterized by some notable achievements overshadowed by significant challenges. As the NPP gears up for the possibility of breaking the eight, a critical examination of governance, accountability, and economic stability will inevitably influence the electoral tide. The path forward will require addressing the grievances of the electorate while reinforcing commitment to the core values of democracy and development.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
