Ghanian President Nana Akufo-Addo wins a second term

The 76-year-old veteran politician was confirmed for a second term as President-elect.

He faces an uphill task of fulfilling old pledges and rebooting an economy grappling with the effects of Covid-19. 

Mr. Akufo-Addo had made four stabs at the presidency in the past. His confirmation for a second term only adds to the family legacy and their contribution to Ghanian politics. Edward Akufo-Addo was his father, and well known as one of the country’s founding fathers. Every Ghanian cedi bill has his portrait marking the duration of his ceremonial presidency from 1970 to 1972. 

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The younger Ado has schooled in the United Kingdom and Ghana then remained in the county’s political scene since the 1970s. In the past, it was not easy shedding the elitist tag that his portrait bore losing to John Atta Mills and John Mahama, both of whom came from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). 

Many attributed the 2016 election duel as Akufo-Addo’s last stab at the presidency. It was the second time he faced Mahama and managed to floor the incumbent. He seems to have replicated his earlier fortune by defeating Mr. Mahama once more. 

Mixed reviews

His first term in office was met with mixed reviews - particularly when it comes to his promises. Some point out the abolishment of senior high school education fees as a positive development. However, he has performed dismally on other major promises such as putting up a hospital in every one of Ghana’s 216 districts. 

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Akufo-Addo swept into power with an anti-corruption message and has drawn condemnation after placing Ghana’s Auditor general on permanent leave after he investigated a senior Minister. 

Journey ahead

It is not easy being a president in Africa given the turbulent economic situation facing most countries. The International Monetary Fund anticipates the Ghanian economy will shrink by 0.9% lowest level in three decades. He is also facing separatist activity in the Northern Volta region with the instigators demanding independence of West Togoland. 

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Regionally, he has been elected chairman of the ECOWAS (the West Africa trade community). With his age, command of respect, and seniority, many will look up to his leadership for regional stability. 

Congratulatory messages

Several world leaders congratulated President Nana Akufo-Addo while congratulating the Ghanian people for their democratic election. Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta was one of the first from the continent to send in his congratulatory messages.