Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has issued a scathing critique of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, branding him a “monumental failure” in managing the Ghanaian economy. Cudjoe’s remarks were made in response to President Akufo-Addo’s recent assertion that he has “delivered on his mandate” and “didn’t betray Ghanaians.”
In a pointed Facebook post, Cudjoe argued that the President’s economic policies have led to widespread hardship, pushing many Ghanaians into poverty. He criticized Akufo-Addo for failing to fulfill key promises, particularly in the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
“Sorry, Sir, you failed monumentally,” Cudjoe wrote. “You promised to put your presidency on the line to fight galamsey. You failed! You wasted almost all the gains from $13 billion in Foreign Direct Investment— the highest made by any president in the Fourth Republic—on vanity projects. COVID-19 exposed these failures, leading to a reckless debt exchange program and financial hardships for many.”
Cudjoe further highlighted the severe impact of these economic missteps, citing high inflation rates, soaring interest rates, and a depreciating currency. “In the process, you shackled nearly a million people into deeper poverty, contributing to the highest unemployment rate in the Fourth Republic,” he added.
He also revisited his previous criticism of the President’s handling of key appointments, specifically mentioning the finance minister. “I still maintain you should have made one of the few good decisions you made recently earlier—the appointment of Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam as Finance Minister.”
Cudjoe’s comments have sparked significant debate, with Salam Mustapha, a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), firing back at Cudjoe, accusing him of exaggeration and misinformation. Mustapha dismissed Cudjoe’s claims, likening them to being “pumped with nitrogen gas.”
The exchange highlights the growing tensions surrounding President Akufo-Addo’s economic legacy as Ghana faces ongoing financial challenges.
