A recent report by Global InfoAnalytics has shed light on the performance of Ghana's presidents since 2004, ranking them based on their contributions to GDP growth and impact on poverty rates. The data provides valuable insights into the country's economic trajectory and the effectiveness of its leaders' policies.
*GDP Growth Rankings*
The report ranks President Kufour's 2008 tenure as the highest in terms of GDP growth, followed closely by his 2004 tenure. President Mills' 2012 tenure and President Mahama's 2016 tenure also feature in the top half of the rankings. However, President Akuffo Addo's 2020 and 2024 tenures rank lowest in terms of GDP growth ¹.
It's essential to note that President Akuffo Addo's tenure coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war, which undoubtedly had a significant impact on the global economy. Despite these challenges, the data suggests that his administration's policies had a limited impact on GDP growth.
*Poverty Rates Rankings*
The report also provides rankings based on the presidents' impact on poverty rates, measured by the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). President Mahama's 2016 tenure tops this list, with an MPI of 13.3%, the lowest recorded by the UNDP since 2000. President Mills' 2012 tenure and President Kufour's 2004 tenure also feature in the top half of the rankings ¹.
Interestingly, the data reveals that the periods with the highest levels of poverty have occurred under NPP administrations, despite the party's reputation for implementing social intervention programs. This paradox raises questions about the effectiveness of these programs and the underlying policies that contribute to higher poverty levels.
*A Call for Further Research*
The findings of this report present an opportunity for academic researchers to delve deeper into the factors contributing to the NPP's seemingly counterintuitive performance on poverty reduction. By examining the party's policies and their implementation, researchers may uncover valuable lessons that can inform future policy decisions.
As Ghana continues to navigate its economic challenges, it's essential to prioritize evidence-based policymaking and to hold leaders accountable for their performance. The Global InfoAnalytics report provides a valuable starting point for this conversation, and its findings should serve as a catalyst for further research and analysis.
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