Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has criticised the Akufo-Addo administration, stating that several major policy decisions contributed significantly to the New Patriotic Party’s defeat in the 2024 elections.
Speaking on The Delay Show, he said he never understood the rationale behind the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), National Cathedral project and Power Distribution Services deal.
He revealed he was not consulted on any of the decisions.
According to him, the NPP’s rise to power in 2016 was anchored on the achievements of his own administration.
“Before the 2016 election in which Akufo-Addo was elected, the campaign was built on my achievements,” he said.
“Those achievements played a key role in his victory. The government started on a good note, but things changed after he assumed power.”
He said the sharp shift in policy direction, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, left him deeply concerned.
“After the COVID-19 pandemic, I could not understand some of the decisions taken, including the bond market issues, PDS and the National Cathedral project, which has still not been completed,” he added.
Mr Kufuor was particularly worried about the handling of the National Cathedral project.
He lamented the demolition of state properties, including residential apartments for judges and other officials, to make way for a project that still remains incomplete.
“I was not consulted, as I did not attend cabinet meetings. I only saw the construction. Apartments that housed judges and others were demolished for the National Cathedral, yet it remains unfinished,” he said.
Reflecting on the NPP’s electoral fortunes, the former President pointed to the party’s dramatic decline in support over the last three election cycles.
“We won the 2016 elections by a landslide. The 2020 elections were tense and produced a hung Parliament, and the 2024 elections were something else entirely,” he said.
“This shows that the Ghanaian electorate should never be taken for granted. It is a lesson for politicians to be mindful of their actions.”
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