Must read: My top 5 highlights of President Akufo-Addo's administration

President Nana Akufo-Addo's tenure has drawn mixed reactions from Ghanaians, reflecting both praise and criticism for his policies and leadership style. While some supporters commend his administration for policies like the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, others simply remember the administration for economic challenges, nuisance taxes, and concerns about corruption allegations, among others. With H.E. John Dramani Mahama officially sworn in as Ghana’s new Head of State, here are my top 5 highlights of President Akufo-Addo’s 8-year term, spanning 7th January 2017 – 2025.

1. Free SHS Programme

Perhaps the most notable legacy of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Launched in September 2017 at West Africa Senior High School, the much-advertised policy eliminated financial barriers to accessing secondary education.

According to the Ministry of Education, the first year of implementation saw an 11% increase in enrolment, breaking previous records. By the 2017/18 academic year, Ghana recorded its highest-ever enrolment, with over 470,000 students entering senior high school.

The total beneficiaries of the Free SHS policy from 2017 to 2024 amounted to 3,135,754 students—a significant achievement in Ghana’s educational reforms.

2. National Cathedral

President Akufo-Addo cut sod for the construction of the National Cathedral in March 2017 as a personal promise to God for granting his wish to become Head of State. The $450 million project, located on a 3.5-hectare (9-acre) site near Parliament House, was designed to include a 5,000-seat auditorium, chapels, a baptistery, a house of music, a Bible museum, and an art gallery.

Initially planned for commissioning on 6th March 2024, the project, however, faced delays and allegations of corruption. Despite an expenditure of $58 million, it failed to make significant progress by the end of the Akufo-Addo administration amid allegations of corruption.

3. Right to Information Act (RTI)

After two decades of advocacy, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989) in March 2019. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo signed it into law at a ceremony at Jubilee House on 21st May 2019.

The RTI Act, which became operational in January 2020, was hailed as a landmark step towards government transparency and accountability, empowering citizens to access public information with legal backing.

4. Murder of Ahmed Suale

One of the darkest episodes of the Akufo-Addo administration was the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale and the failure to bring the perpetrators to justice. Suale, a journalist with Tiger Eye P.I., an investigative outlet led by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, was shot dead in Accra on 16th January 2019 in what appeared to be a contract killing.

Despite widespread public outcry and calls for justice, investigations yielded no arrests or convictions. The incident significantly impacted Ghana’s press freedom rankings, drawing international criticism of the Akufo-Addo government.

5. Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide

A remarkable human rights milestone during Akufo-Addo’s administration was the passage of the Criminal Offences [Amendment] Act, 2023 [Act 1092].

The Private Member’s Bill, championed by Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu, was assented to by the President on 3rd April 2023. The amendment redefined attempted suicide as a mental health issue rather than a criminal offence, ensuring individuals receive psychological support instead of punishment.

This achievement was widely praised by human rights advocates and mental health organisations, marking a progressive step in Ghana’s mental health reform.

Final Thoughts

President Nana Akufo-Addo’s 8-year tenure was pivotal, leaving behind a mixed legacy of transformative policies and controversies. While initiatives like Free SHS, the RTI Act, and mental health reforms reshaped aspects of Ghana’s social and political framework, setbacks such as the National Cathedral debacle, economic struggles, and unresolved scandals clouded his administration’s reputation. As Ghana transitions into a new leadership, Akufo-Addo’s achievements and challenges will undoubtedly remain subjects of debate for years to come.

 

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