When assessing the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, it is important to move beyond partisan narratives and examine measurable outcomes, policy impacts, and institutional developments. His two-term administration, spanning from 2017 to 2025, was marked by significant policy initiatives, notable infrastructure investments, and major economic challenges—particularly in the latter years. This article presents a balanced, fact-based evaluation of his tenure, highlighting both achievements and shortcomings.
Economic Performance: Growth, Crisis, and Recovery Efforts
At the start of Akufo-Addo’s presidency in 2017, Ghana’s economy showed signs of recovery. According to data from the Ghana Statistical Service, GDP growth increased from 3.4% in 2016 to approximately 8.1% in 2017, largely driven by oil production and improved macroeconomic stability. Inflation declined from over 15% in 2016 to around 11.8% in 2017, reflecting tighter fiscal and monetary policies.
However, these gains proved difficult to sustain. By 2022, Ghana faced one of its most severe economic crises in decades. Inflation peaked at over 54% in December 2022, according to the Bank of Ghana, while the Ghanaian cedi experienced significant depreciation—losing more than 50% of its value against major currencies that year.
Public debt rose sharply during Akufo-Addo’s tenure. Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio increased from about 56% in 2016 to over 90% by 2022. This led the government to seek a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund in 2023 under an Extended Credit Facility programme aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability.
The economic downturn was influenced by both domestic and external factors. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains and reduced revenues, while the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War contributed to rising global commodity prices. Nonetheless, fiscal deficits and borrowing patterns also played a significant role in Ghana’s vulnerability
Education: Expansion Through Free SHS
One of the flagship policies of Akufo-Addo’s administration was the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, launched in September 2017. The initiative removed tuition fees for public secondary school students, significantly expanding access to education.
Government data indicates that secondary school enrollment increased from about 800,000 students in 2016 to over 1.3 million by 2023. This represents one of the largest expansions in secondary education access in Ghana’s history.
However, the rapid scale-up created implementation challenges. Issues such as overcrowded classrooms, double-track systems, and delayed funding to schools were widely reported. Teacher unions, including the Ghana National Association of Teachers, raised concerns about infrastructure deficits and workload pressures.
While the policy improved access, debates continue regarding education quality, sustainability, and long-term funding mechanisms.
Industrialization and Employment: One District, One Factory
The “One District, One Factory” (1D1F) initiative aimed to promote industrialization by establishing at least one factory in each of Ghana’s districts. By 2023, the government reported that over 100 factories were operational or under construction.
According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry Ghana, the initiative created tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly in agro-processing sectors such as rice milling, fruit processing, and textiles.
Despite these gains, independent assessments suggest uneven implementation. Some projects were privately led but branded under the policy, while others faced delays due to financing and infrastructure constraints. Critics argue that job creation levels fell short of initial expectations, though the programme did contribute to localized industrial activity.
Infrastructure Development
Akufo-Addo’s administration invested in infrastructure across sectors, including roads, railways, and healthcare. Notable projects included:
Expansion of road networks under the “Year of Roads” initiative.
Development of regional hospitals under the Agenda 111 programme.
Railway rehabilitation projects, including sections of the Western and Eastern lines.
Under Agenda 111, the government aimed to construct 111 hospitals to improve healthcare access. As of 2024, many of these projects were at various stages of completion, with concerns raised about funding continuity and timelines.
Energy and Digitalization
The administration also focused on digital transformation. Initiatives such as the Ghana Card, mobile money interoperability, and digitization of public services were implemented to improve efficiency and financial inclusion.
The National Identification Authority registered over 17 million Ghanaians for the Ghana Card by 2023, facilitating access to banking, healthcare, and government services.
In the energy sector, Ghana maintained relatively stable electricity supply compared to previous years marked by frequent outages (“dumsor”). However, challenges related to energy sector debt persisted.
Governance and Anti-Corruption Efforts
Akufo-Addo campaigned on an anti-corruption platform and established the Office of the Special Prosecutor in 2018 to investigate corruption-related offenses. The office, initially led by Martin Amidu, was designed to operate independently of executive control.
While the establishment of the office was seen as a positive institutional reform, its effectiveness faced scrutiny. Resignations, including that of Amidu in 2020, and limited high-profile convictions raised concerns about enforcement capacity.
The proposed Agyapa Royalties deal, intended to monetize Ghana’s mineral royalties, was suspended following public criticism and concerns raised by civil society organizations and anti-corruption advocates.
Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index showed Ghana’s score fluctuating during the period, indicating persistent governance challenges.
Social Conditions and Cost of Living
During Akufo-Addo’s presidency, Ghana experienced rising living costs, particularly from 2021 onward. Inflation affected food prices, transportation, and utilities, placing pressure on households.
Data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicates that food inflation exceeded 60% at certain points in 2022–2023. Fuel prices also increased significantly due to global oil price fluctuations and currency depreciation.
To mitigate the impact, the government introduced measures such as the LEAP programme expansion and utility subsidies during the COVID-19 period. However, these interventions were often described as temporary relief rather than long-term solutions.
COVID-19 Response
Ghana’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic included early border closures, partial lockdowns, and economic relief measures. The Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) provided support to businesses and vulnerable populations.
Akufo-Addo also oversaw Ghana’s vaccination campaign, securing doses through the COVAX facility and bilateral agreements. By 2023, millions of Ghanaians had received at least one vaccine dose.
While Ghana’s response was initially praised for its speed, concerns were later raised about economic recovery and the transparency of some procurement processes.
Foreign Policy and International Engagement
Akufo-Addo maintained an active international profile, advocating for African integration and economic independence. He served as Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where he played roles in regional diplomacy and conflict mediation.
His “Ghana Beyond Aid” vision emphasized reducing dependency on foreign assistance, though economic challenges later led to renewed reliance on international financial support.
Key Shortcomings
Several challenges defined the latter part of Akufo-Addo’s presidency:
1. Debt Sustainability: Rapid debt accumulation limited fiscal flexibility and led to restructuring under IMF supervision.
2. Inflation and Currency Depreciation: High inflation eroded purchasing power and increased economic hardship.
3. Implementation Gaps: Flagship programmes faced logistical and funding challenges.
4. Governance Concerns: Perceptions of corruption and limited accountability affected public trust.
5. Youth Unemployment: Despite initiatives, unemployment—especially among young people—remained a concern
Conclusion
The presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo presents a complex legacy. On one hand, his administration expanded access to education, advanced digitalization, and pursued industrialization policies. On the other, it faced significant economic difficulties, particularly in its second term, alongside governance and implementation challenges.
A balanced assessment suggests that while Akufo-Addo introduced ambitious reforms and achieved measurable progress in certain sectors, structural economic vulnerabilities and policy execution issues limited the overall impact of his agenda.
As Ghana continues its development trajectory, the outcomes of his presidency will likely be evaluated in terms of both the foundations laid and the challenges left for subsequent administrations to address.