Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, a well-known figure in Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has openly criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, describing his leadership as the worst in the country’s Fourth Republic. According to Dr. Kennedy, the president’s poor governance has hurt the NPP's chances in the upcoming elections, particularly impacting the campaign of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s presidential candidate.
Speaking during an interview on TV3’s *Key Points*, Dr. Kennedy expressed concern over how President Akufo-Addo’s track record has become a liability for Dr. Bawumia. He argued that Ghanaians are frustrated by the government’s failure to deliver on key promises, making it harder for the NPP to convince voters.
His sentiments were echoed by Professor Ransford Gyampo of the University of Ghana, who accused the president of losing the trust of Ghanaians. Prof. Gyampo noted that when Akufo-Addo first assumed office, many believed he would bring positive change, but his leadership has instead been marked by broken promises and missed opportunities. According to Prof. Gyampo, the president failed to live up to the high expectations of the people, leading to widespread disappointment.
One of the most talked-about controversies during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure is the National Cathedral Project, which was announced as a grand symbol of Ghana’s dedication to God. However, the project has been surrounded by controversy, delays, and accusations of mismanagement. The construction has been at a standstill for over three years, despite the government reportedly spending $58 million of taxpayer money on it.
North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been one of the most vocal critics of the project. He claims that the president misled members of the clergy who served on the Board of Trustees for the cathedral. Ablakwa demanded that President Akufo-Addo take full responsibility for the failed project. He suggested that the president should personally repay the $58 million spent on the stalled project and compensate for the damages caused by its failure.
Ablakwa also raised concerns about the ongoing payment of salaries to the Board of Trustees, despite the lack of progress on the project. He questioned why members of the board are still receiving salaries when the construction has been halted for 38 months. According to him, this misuse of funds is a betrayal of public trust.
The controversy deepened with the release of a report by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which found serious legal violations in the project’s management. The CHRAJ report revealed that the contract for the cathedral’s construction, awarded to Ribade Company Ltd., was illegal and did not follow Ghana’s public procurement laws.
The report recommended that the contract be canceled and called for further investigations into the actions of the Board of Trustees and other key players involved in the project. CHRAJ’s findings have led to renewed calls for accountability, with critics demanding that those responsible for the violations face prosecution.
Ablakwa described the CHRAJ report as “damning” and insisted that the $58 million already spent on the cathedral must be refunded. He also expressed concerns about how the controversy could damage Ghana’s reputation internationally, as the disregard for procurement laws reflects poorly on the country.
The National Cathedral, initially envisioned as a unifying symbol of faith and national pride, has instead become a source of division. Many Ghanaians are unhappy that public funds were used for a project they believe should have been privately funded. Critics argue that the money spent on the cathedral could have been better used to address pressing issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
President Akufo-Addo’s administration has yet to provide a clear plan for completing the cathedral or addressing the concerns raised by the public and opposition figures. Despite the growing backlash, government officials have defended the project, insisting that it is a worthy investment for the nation. However, these assurances have done little to ease public frustration.
The criticism of the president’s leadership goes beyond the cathedral project. Many Ghanaians feel that the government has failed to deliver on its promises of economic growth and improved living standards. Rising inflation, high unemployment rates, and increasing public debt have all contributed to a sense of disillusionment among citizens.
As the 2024 elections approach, the NPP faces an uphill battle in convincing voters to support their candidate, Dr. Bawumia. Analysts believe that the failures of the current administration will play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the election. The opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has already begun using the controversies surrounding President Akufo-Addo’s government as ammunition for their campaign.
In the coming months, it remains to be seen how the government will address the growing discontent among Ghanaians. Will the president take responsibility for the criticisms and make efforts to rebuild public trust? Or will the controversies continue to overshadow his legacy and the NPP’s chances in the elections?
For many Ghanaians, the answers to these questions will determine not only the outcome of the next election but also the future direction of the country.
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