President Nana Akufo-Addo’s time in office has been met with a mix of reactions from the people of Ghana. Some have praised his policies and leadership style, while others have criticized his administration for various reasons. As H.E. John Dramani Mahama takes over as the new Head of State, let’s take a look back at the top highlights of President Akufo-Addo’s 8-year term, which spanned from 7th January 2017 to 2025.
1. Free SHS Programme
One of President Akufo-Addo’s most significant achievements was the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Launched in September 2017, this policy removed financial barriers to secondary education, resulting in a record-breaking increase in enrollment. Over 470,000 students entered senior high school in the 2017/18 academic year, and a total of 3,135,754 students benefited from the Free SHS policy between 2017 and 2024.
2. National Cathedral
In March 2017, President Akufo-Addo initiated the construction of the National Cathedral as a personal promise to God for his election victory. The $450 million project was intended to include an auditorium, chapels, a baptistery, a house of music, a Bible museum, and an art gallery. However, the project faced delays and corruption allegations, ultimately failing to make significant progress by the end of Akufo-Addo’s term.
3. Right to Information Act (RTI)
After 20 years of advocacy, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Right to Information (RTI) Act in March 2019. President Akufo-Addo signed it into law in May 2019, marking a significant step towards government transparency and accountability. The RTI Act, which became operational in January 2020, empowered citizens to access public information legally.
4. Murder of Ahmed Suale
One of the darkest moments of Akufo-Addo’s administration was the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale in January 2019. Despite public outcry and calls for justice, no arrests or convictions were made in connection with his killing. The incident raised concerns about press freedom and accountability in Ghana.
5. Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide
A notable achievement during Akufo-Addo’s tenure was the passage of the Criminal Offences [Amendment] Act in 2023, which redefined attempted suicide as a mental health issue rather than a criminal offense. This change ensured that individuals receive psychological support rather than punishment, marking a progressive step in Ghana’s mental health reform.
In conclusion, President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration had its share of successes and challenges. While initiatives like the Free SHS programme and the RTI Act brought positive change, controversies surrounding projects like the National Cathedral and unresolved scandals left a mark on his legacy. As Ghana transitions to new leadership, Akufo-Addo’s achievements and shortcomings will continue to be debated for years to come.
