Personality:
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo served as the 13th President of Ghana from January 7, 2017, to January 7, 2025. Born on March 29, 1944, in Accra, he is a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and previously held positions as Attorney General and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Economic Initiatives:
During his tenure, President Akufo-Addo implemented several economic policies aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s economy. In 2018, he introduced the 7-year Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies, focusing on five pillars: revitalizing the economy, transforming agriculture and industry, revamping infrastructure, strengthening social protection, and reforming public service delivery.
Despite these efforts, Ghana faced significant economic challenges, including a high risk of debt distress as warned by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The country’s public debt increased from 56% of GDP to 63% before the COVID-19 pandemic, and further borrowing during the pandemic led to a budget deficit crisis, reaching 16% in 2020, the second-highest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Education Reforms:
In September 2017, Akufo-Addo launched the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, making secondary education free for all Ghanaian students. This initiative aimed to invest in the nation’s future workforce and alleviate financial burdens on parents. By 2022, the program was credited with producing the best West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results in eight years, reflecting improvements in core subjects like English, Integrated Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies.
Infrastructure Development:
In August 2024, President Akufo-Addo initiated the construction of a $12 billion petroleum hub in Jomoro, designed to establish Ghana as a key player in West Africa’s petroleum sector. The project includes a 300,000 barrel-per-day oil refinery and petrochemical plants, funded by a consortium involving Touchstone Capital Group Holdings, UIC Energy Ghana, and Chinese engineering companies. The hub aims to meet the region’s refined petroleum needs by 2036.
Political Developments:
Constitutionally limited to two terms, Akufo-Addo did not seek re-election in 2024. The NPP nominated Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as its presidential candidate, who selected Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his running mate. The December 2024 election was a closely contested race between Bawumia and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Mahama emerged victorious and was inaugurated on January 7, 2025, succeeding Akufo-Addo.
Legacy:
President Akufo-Addo’s administration is noted for significant strides in education through the Free SHS policy and efforts to position Ghana as a petroleum hub. However, his tenure also faced criticism due to economic challenges, including rising public debt and budget deficits. Despite these issues, he emphasized the importance of democracy for stability and development, asserting that it offers more opportunities than military regimes.
Reference:
- https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ghana-begins-construction-12-bln-petroleum-hub-2024-08-20/
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nana-Addo-Dankwa-Akufo-Addo?
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nana_Akufo-Addo?
- https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2024/10/07/nana-akufo-addo-president-du-ghana-la-democratie-offre-plus-d-opportunites-que-les-regimes-militaires_6345919_3212.html?