Op-ed: Ghana’s Former President Leaves Office With A Complex Legacy

Several key events mark the end of Akufo-Addo's time in office. First, his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by his deputy, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, failed to secure reelection in the recently concluded 2024 elections. As a result, power is being transferred to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which was ousted by Akufo-Addo's party in 2016.

At first, President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure was a breath of fresh air. Ghana was reeling from economic and infrastructural woes and he, a learned politician with a strong anti-establishment background and a people-first approach to governance, offered various policy propositions that subsidized education, made healthcare accessible, and promised a thriving economic climate. While some of these policies and infrastructural problems such as education and steady power supply were addressed to some extent in the early days of his presidency, others — which looked to stimulate Ghana’s economy and improve its environmental issues — weren’t sufficiently tackled. Nana Akufo-Addo, who trained as a lawyer, will leave the office with a controversial legacy — one marked by severe unemployment, poverty and an environmental disaster.

While many may commend his administration for effectively addressing Ghana's fluctuating power issues, the accomplishments of the 2020s are overshadowed by infrastructural neglect, a weakened currency, and an economy that continues to burden the daily lives of Ghanaians. His government hasconsistently blamed COVID-19 for many of the country's ongoing challenges, while reports of financial mismanagement, corruption and poor public fund utilization persist.

Addo the inventive

A substantial part of Akufo-Addo's policies was inventive or, in many ways, designed to make Ghana a global entryway for Africa. With initiatives like "Detty December" and "Year of Return," Akufo-Addo’s administration sought to make Ghana a bridge between the Diaspora and the continent. In many ways, it worked. Ghana has hosted major international stars, and in 2019, during the launch of the Year of Return initiative, the country reported an inflow of $1.9 billion. This revenue went into food, cultural exploits, accommodation, transportation and other parts of the local economy. At a glance, this is the biggest highlight of Akudo-Addo's presidency. It would be a perfect highlight if the initiative didn't come with its downsides.

Locals have borne the brunt as Ghana opens its doors and aggressively campaigns for visitors. Rent and property prices have skyrocketed, meanwhile, locals have found themselves in land disputes or dealing with the aftermath of ancestral lands being sold to foreigners who have made Ghana their chosen home. The unregulated and continuous influx of people from the diaspora with attractions of easy citizenship and tax cuts has made what would have been a fruitful initiative, toxic for the people on the ground.

Human rights?

Despite his background and history of championing human rights causes, Akufo-Addo’s administration repeatedly set a precedence for shunning protests and cracking down on civil demonstrations. This has birthed fear and uncertainty for many Ghanaians about democratic rights and protections. Additionally, under Addo’s administration, Ghana’s LGBTQ+ community came under renewed fire, with a draconian bill passing the third reading in parliament. His administration'sslow responseand inaction have allowed this bill to gain traction and potentially be enacted by the incoming administration.

Perhaps most damning was Akufo-Addo's handling of Ghana's biggest environmental threat, illegal mining. Known locally as galamsey, the practice has gained increased attention due to reports of water damage, health impacts and strain on Ghana's struggling cocoa industry. While the outgoing president acknowledged these issues, his response proved ineffective.

“I welcome the many loud converts to the fight against galamsey that suddenly appeared in the run-up to the 2024 elections, and I pray that more and more of us get to embrace the need for the protection of our lands and water bodies,” he said. He further emphasized that opposing galamsey does not mean opposing mining altogether, noting that Ghana is blessed with abundant gold resources. However, he stressed the importance of responsible mining practices to preserve the country's lands and water bodies for future generations.

For many, Akufo-Addo's time in office represents the beginning of what could have been an incredible era for Ghana. As someone who values his legacy, Akufo-Addo faces a complex historical narrative. Although social and economic challenges hindered his vision, he was responsible for realigning the country's direction and restoring trust among Ghanaians. However, when the moment came for decisive action, those necessary steps were noticeably absent.