Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has openly criticized key decisions of the Akufo-Addo administration, attributing them directly to the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s crushing defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking on The Delay Show, Mr. Kufuor expressed bewilderment at major policy initiatives, including:
Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP)
National Cathedral project
Power Distribution Services (PDS) deal
“I never understood the rationale behind these decisions,” he said. “I was not consulted — I did not attend cabinet meetings. I only saw the construction.”
National Cathedral: A Symbol of Misplaced Priorities
Mr. Kufuor singled out the National Cathedral as a particularly troubling project, lamenting the demolition of state properties — including judges’ residences — to make way for a facility that remains unfinished.
“Apartments that housed judges and others were demolished for the National Cathedral, yet it remains incomplete,” he noted.
From Landslide to Loss: A Three-Election Decline
The former President traced the NPP’s electoral fortunes:
| Election | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Landslide victory (built on Kufuor-era achievements) |
| 2020 | Tense win; hung Parliament |
| 2024 | Decisive defeat |
“The Ghanaian electorate should never be taken for granted,” Kufuor warned. “This is a lesson for politicians to be mindful of their actions.”
He revealed that the 2016 campaign heavily leaned on his administration’s legacy — including free SHS groundwork, NHIS, and economic stability — to secure Akufo-Addo’s victory.
“The government started on a good note, but things changed after he assumed power — especially after COVID-19,” he reflected.
Call for Reflection Within NPP
Mr. Kufuor’s remarks signal growing internal pressure on the party to:
Reassess policy direction
Restore public trust
Unite ahead of future elections
His comments come as the NPP launches constitutional amendments and conducts post-mortem analyses of the 2024 loss.
