A Juxtaposition of President Nana Akufo-Addo's UN Speech and Ghana's Ground Realities

On September 25th, 2024, President Nana Akufo-Addo addressed the United Nations General Assembly, marking his final speech before the end of his presidency. His remarks emphasized Ghana’s achievements under his leadership, including advancements in education, healthcare, industrialization, and digitalization. While his speech painted a hopeful picture of Ghana’s progress and commitment to democracy, juxtaposing these claims against the realities on the ground reveals a stark contrast between political rhetoric and the everyday experiences of Ghanaians.

President Akufo-Addo highlighted the success of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has undeniably expanded access to education. However, many critics argue that the policy has been fraught with issues, including overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, and underfunded schools. Furthermore, the implementation of Agenda 111, aimed at constructing 111 hospitals, has faced numerous delays, and many projects remain incomplete.

The president's assertion of a thriving economy rings hollow to Ghanaians facing harsh economic realities. Ghana’s cost of living crisis has intensified, with inflation surging and the currency weakening. Many citizens are grappling with unemployment and economic hardship, which belies the president’s optimism about the nation’s industrial transformation through policies like One District, One Factory.

Perhaps the most glaring disconnect between the president's speech and the ground reality is his claim of a commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Recent developments in Ghana, particularly the StopGalamseyNow protests, have drawn attention to the government’s heavy-handed response to dissent. Protesters, advocating against illegal mining (Galamsey), have faced arrests and alleged police brutality, raising concerns about human rights violations under Akufo-Addo’s administration. Additionally, the government's failure to address systemic corruption and the unchecked illegal mining operations continue to devastate the environment, despite the president’s promises to tackle the issue.

The National Cathedral project—initially presented as a symbol of national unity—has become a lightning rod for criticism. The initial $58 million disbursement toward the initiative has spiraled into an "expensive pit," as funds have been mismanaged, and transparency surrounding the project's finances remains elusive. This feeds into broader concerns about frivolous government spending, especially when juxtaposed with the growing economic struggles of ordinary Ghanaians.

Moreover, the president’s promise of free, fair, and transparent elections ahead of the 2024 general elections is met with skepticism, given the growing fear of the erosion of democracy in Ghana. Reports of police brutality, corruption, and political propaganda aimed at manipulating public perception have raised alarms about the potential for unrest. Ghanaians are increasingly disillusioned by what they see as unaccountable governance and the government's disregard for the voice of the people.

While President Akufo-Addo's speech projected a vision of progress, democracy, and development, the realities on the ground—ranging from economic hardship, human rights abuses, corruption, and environmental destruction—paint a more complex and troubling picture. His presidency, while marked by some achievements, may ultimately be remembered for its failure to bridge the gap between lofty promises and the lived experiences of Ghanaians. As the country approaches the 2024 elections, the legacy of his tenure will be shaped by the ongoing struggles faced by the ordinary Ghanaian.