The NPP under Nana Akufo Addo
Like J A Kufuor, Nana Akufo Addo assumed office under very difficult circumstances. Ghana was crippled by dumsor, and in the attempt to fix it, the NDC had saddled the country with billions of dollars in power purchase agreements.
The financial services sector was also on its knees. It operated like a giant Ponzi scheme, with banks and non bank institutions competing aggressively for fixed deposits due to liquidity challenges. Borrowing had become extremely expensive and unsustainable.
The timely banking sector clean up prevented a total collapse and saved depositors’ funds. The government did not focus on sentiments. It took the hard decision that was right for the country. That is patriotism.
In Nana Akufo Addo’s first term, Free SHS was introduced, along with the double track system. This opened access to secondary education for thousands of poor Ghanaians who would otherwise have dropped out. Before the NPP came to power, twin boys in my neighbourhood dropped out of JHS because their single mother could not afford BECE costs. I took them in, enrolled them in a private school to write BECE, and thankfully Free SHS had arrived. They went to school for free. That is the impact of Free SHS. Is that not patriotism?
The NDC campaigned against it, and John Mahama is on record saying that if he had that money, he would not have spent it on Free SHS.
Nana Akufo Addo also introduced Free TVET education, revitalised TVET institutions, and restored teacher and nursing trainee allowances. For many from less privileged backgrounds, these allowances supported not just education but entire households. That is patriotism.
The National Ambulance Service was on its knees. Under Nana Akufo Addo, purpose built ambulances were procured for every district in Ghana.
To modernise the economy, the NPP introduced the digital address system and a comprehensive national identity system, the first in Ghana’s history. The benefits of a national ID system are enormous, and we are yet to fully realise them.
The NDC is on record discouraging its members from registering for the Ghana Card. You want to talk about patriotism?
As part of the digitalisation drive, the NPP introduced the paperless port system, mobile money interoperability, online passport applications, and major public service reforms.
When COVID 19 hit and the global economy came to a standstill, Nana Akufo Addo put lives first and demonstrated what has been globally recognised as exceptional leadership.
Ghana’s response was marked by early and decisive action, consistent communication, and a science driven approach. There were timely border closures and lockdowns, aggressive testing and tracing, and free treatment. Innovations like Zipline were deployed, and Ghana became one of the first countries to receive vaccines under COVAX.
To cushion citizens, government provided free water and electricity, financial incentives for health workers, and encouraged local production of PPEs. The response left a lasting legacy with strengthened health infrastructure, including the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre, and formed the basis for initiatives like Agenda 111 hospitals.
You want to talk about patriotism?
Despite the pandemic, the government supervised peaceful 2020 elections and enhanced Ghana’s international reputation for transparency and leadership.
The NPP in government had its challenges but based on the party’s track record alone, NO ONE CAN QUESTION the PATRIOTISM OF THE PARTY.
Support the NDC all you like. Sing the aban papa aba all you like. Its is your right and it’s fair game. But never question the patriotism in the name – NPP.
If anything, it is the democratic credentials of the NDC that should be questioned. When someone attempted to contest John Mahama in a primary, he was declared mentally unfit and allegedly bundled to the asylum against his will.
