Presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo
{{short description|Ghanaian presidential administration from 2017 to 2025}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2020}}
{{Update|date=January 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox administration
| image = Nana Akufo-Addo at European Development Days 2017.jpg
| name = Presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo
| term_start = 7 January 2017
| term_end = 7 January 2025
| president = Nana Akufo-Addo
| president_link = President of Ghana
| cabinet = See list
| party = New Patriotic Party
| election = {{hlist|2016|2020}}
| seat = Jubilee House
| predecessor = John Mahama (1st)
| successor = John Mahama (2nd)''
}}
The presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo began on 7 January 2017 and ended on 7 January 2025. Following the 2016 Ghanaian general elections, Nana Akufo-Addo the flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party, succeeded John Mahama as the 13th president of Ghana and the fifth of the Fourth Republic after winning by a landslide. He won a second term on 9 December 2020 in a tightly contested race against National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate and former president, John Mahama.
He focused his campaign on the economy, promising to stabilise the country's foreign exchange rate and to reduce unemployment levels.{{cite news|first1=Sean|last1=Lyngaas|first2=Dionne|last2=Searcey|date=6 December 2016|title=Ghana Presidential Vote Hinges on Economic Perceptions|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/06/world/africa/ghana-election-john-mahama.html|newspaper=The New York Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421112049/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/06/world/africa/ghana-election-john-mahama.html|archive-date=21 April 2017|url-status=live}} Akufo-Addo faced a banking crisis during his first term. The major policies in his first term were the Free SHS policy, which made access to Senior High school in Ghana free, and the One district, one factory policy. In 2017, he declared an environmental war on illegal artisanal mining in Ghana. Akufo-Addo's government provided several responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Ghana's economy. His foreign policy entailed strengthening ties between Ghana and the African diaspora. This included fostering relations with nations of the Caribbean. Akufo-Addo also ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area and supported intra-African trade.
2016 general election
{{Main|2016 Ghanaian general election}}
Nana Addo first ran for president in 2008 and again in 2012, both times as the candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He was however defeated on both occasions by National Democratic Congress' candidates: John Evans Atta Mills in 2008 and John Dramani Mahama in 2012 after the former's death.{{cite web|title=Nana Akufo-Addo|url=http://akufoaddo2012.com/subcat_select.php?catID=1&linkID=1&url=Nana%20Akufo-Addo|publisher=akufoaddo2012.com|access-date=31 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927173514/http://akufoaddo2012.com/subcat_select.php?catID=1&linkID=1&url=Nana%20Akufo-Addo|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=live}} Akufo-Addo was chosen once again as the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party during the 2016 general elections. On his third time representing the New Patriotic Party, Akufo-Addo defeated John Dramani Mahama in the first round (winning with 53.85% of the votes), which marked the first time in a Ghanaian presidential election that an opposition candidate won a majority outright in the first round.{{cite news|title=World Digest: Dec. 9. 2016: Ghana president concedes to opposition leader|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/world-digest-dec-9-2016/2016/12/09/f2426996-be24-11e6-94ac-3d324840106c_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=9 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211180322/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/world-digest-dec-9-2016/2016/12/09/f2426996-be24-11e6-94ac-3d324840106c_story.html|archive-date=11 December 2016|url-status=live}}
Inauguration
Akufo-Addo took office on 7 January 2017. His inauguration was held at Black Star Square in Accra. Twelve presidents from African and European countries attended the ceremony, including Edgar Lungu of Zambia, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria.{{cite news|title=Livestreaming: Nana Akufo-Addo takes office as president|url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/LIVESTREAMING-Nana-Akufo-Addo-takes-office-as-president-499112|access-date=7 January 2017|publisher=ghanaweb|date=7 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108190217/http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/LIVESTREAMING-Nana-Akufo-Addo-takes-office-as-president-499112|archive-date=8 January 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Akufo-Addo formally sworn in as Ghana's president, gets 21-gun salute|url=http://www.africanews.com/2017/01/07/live-12-presidents-join-ghanaians-to-inaugurate-president-akufo-addo/|date=7 January 2017|access-date=7 January 2017|publisher=africanews.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108143439/http://www.africanews.com/2017/01/07/live-12-presidents-join-ghanaians-to-inaugurate-president-akufo-addo/|archive-date=8 January 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=African leaders arrive ahead of Akufo-Addo's inauguration|url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/African-leaders-arrive-ahead-of-Akufo-Addo-s-inauguration-499057|date=6 January 2017|access-date=7 January 2017|work=My Joy Online|publisher=ghanaweb.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107163919/http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/African-leaders-arrive-ahead-of-Akufo-Addo-s-inauguration-499057|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=live}} During his inauguration, Akufo-Addo made several promises which included the following:{{Cite web|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/full-text-of-president-akufo-addo-s-inaugural-speech.html|title=Full text of President Akufo-Addo's inaugural speech|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb|access-date=2020-11-22}}
- Protecting the public purse by giving attention to value for money in all transactions.
- Promising to make Ghana attractive for business once again.
- Pledging to cooperate and promote peace on the African continent as well as political stability and democracy.
Personnel
{{Main|Cabinet of Nana Akufo-Addo}}
{{Further|List of Akufo-Addo government ministers and political appointees}}
=Ministers=
=Parliamentary appointments=
| class="wikitable" | ||
| Office(s) | Officeholder | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker of Parliament | Aaron Mike Oquaye{{Cite web| title = Leadership for Seventh Parliament named| access-date = 2017-01-05| url = http://www.ghananewsagency.org/politics/leadership-for-seventh-parliament-named-111980}} | January 7, 2017 - January 6, 2021 |
| Speaker of Parliament
|Alban Bagbin{{Cite news |date=January 7, 2021 |title=Bagbin sworn-in as Speaker of Eighth Parliament |url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/bagbin-elected-speaker-of-eighth-parliament.html |work=Graphic Online}} |January 7, 2021 - | ||
| First Deputy Speaker of Parliament | Joseph Osei Owusu (MP) | January 7, 2017 - January 6, 2024 |
| Majority Leader | Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu (MP) | January 7, 2017 - February 21, 2024 |
| Deputy Majority Leader | Sarah Adwoa Safo (MP) | January 7, 2017 - |
| Majority Chief Whip | Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh (MP) | January 7, 2017 - |
Domestic affairs
=Education=
{{Main article|Free SHS}}
File:Ghanaian Senior High School students in class 03.jpg
The Free Secondary High School (Free SHS) education policy was introduced in the 2017 September.{{Cite web|title=President Akufo-Addo Launches Free SHS Policy|url=http://presidency.gov.gh/index.php/briefing-room/news-style-2/364-president-akufo-addo-launches-free-shs-policy|website=presidency.gov.gh|language=en-gb|access-date=2020-05-26}} The policy was a part of the president's presidential campaign during the Ghana's 2016 election period, and has become an essential part of Ghana's educational system.Kyeremanteng, Harriet. (2016). Assessing stakeholder participation in policy formulation and implementation: The case study of the Free Senior High School Policy in Ghana. (PDF). The University of Ghana, Legon: pp.1-80. Retrieved 15 April 2020, from http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh/bitstream/handle/123456789/30912/ Assessing Stakeholder Participation in Policy Formulation and Implementation- The Case Study of the Free Senior High School Policy in Ghana.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
== Economic impact ==
=== Increase in enrolments since the implementation of the double track system ===
The anticipation for high school students to join career fields in the public sector that necessitate tertiary education, could now be further encouraged. A gap reduction has formed in university graduates who acquire degrees without the achievement of secondary studies. Previously, 70% of high school students that desired government employee positions by the age of 25 was realistically achieved by only 6% of that percentage.Duflo, Esther; Dupas, Pascaline; Kremer, Michael (October 14, 2019). The Impact of Free Secondary Education: Experimental Evidence from Ghana (PDF). The American Economic Association: pp. 1-105. Received 18 April 2020, from https://web.stanford.edu/~pdupas/DDK_GhanaScholarships.pdf Through the policy, the labour market has expanded in diverse fields with more educated individuals to progress the nation's development. Studies highlighted that students with higher economic capital in comparison to their economically disadvantaged peers are given an abundance of educational opportunities.Akyeampong, K. (2009). Revisiting Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) in Ghana. Comparative Education, 45(2), 175-195. {{doi|10.1080/03050060902920534}} Promoting free high school education became an argument that it would fuel Ghana's economic growth.Adu-Ababio, K., & Osei, R.D (2018) : Effects of an education reform on household poverty and inequality: A microsimulation analysis on the free Senior High School policy in Ghana. WIDER Working Paper, No. 2018/147, {{ISBN|978-92-9256-589-3}}, pp. 1-19. The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) {{doi|10.35188/UNU-WIDER/2018/589-3}} The Free SHS policy widens the eligibility and success rate of these educational opportunities with an aim for the individual to develop into a societal asset.
== Political Impact ==
The policy prioritises student welfare. Thus, it encourages young people to be more politically conscious and engaged with political affairs. It has built voter's confidence for a lot of senior high school students and their families where support for political parties are now reliant on recognised party results and not on party philosophies. The non-discriminatory nature of the Free SHS policy has improved political awareness and functionality within Ghana, through its ability to be both a political promise to society and eventually become a successful product of it. It has encouraged citizen understanding and trustworthiness of taxation in the belief that the tax will directly contribute to financing the policy. The Free SHS policy is a testament to modern day democratic politics where an initial intention results in an effective political impact, and where policy and laws are executed in favour of the development of citizens and their society.Asumadu , E. (2019). Challenges and Prospects of the Ghana Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy: The case of SHS in Denkyembour District. pp. 1-25. Retrieved 7 May 2020, from http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh/bitstream/handle/123456789/30956/ Challenges and Prospects of the Ghana Free Senior High School %28SHS%29 Policy The Case of SHS in Denkyembour District..pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
== Social Impact ==
The policy lifted the financial burden for most parents, who can now be more supportive in their child's academia without feeling dependent on scholarships or private benefits. In aim to afford long term educational costs, lower income households commonly neglect the short term educational costs. Hence tuition payment for parents and guardians was essential obligation and the purchasing of school equipment became secondary needs. The Free SHS policy covers the primary and secondary expenditure that caregivers were burdened to provide despite their economic incapability to do so. Initially most parents would pay for secondary school tuition based on their own ability to understand their child's competency, but are now relieved of the social hindrance of choosing some children over others to be educated.
= Economy =
In 2019, under the administration of the Akufo-Addo government, Ghana became the fastest growing economy in the world.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-10/ghana-is-the-star-in-imf-s-2019-economic-growth-forecast-chart|title=Ghana Is the Star in IMF's 2019 Economic Growth Forecast|last=Naidoo|first=Pinesha|website=Bloomberg News|date=10 April 2019 |access-date=2020-11-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412184254/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-10/ghana-is-the-star-in-imf-s-2019-economic-growth-forecast-chart|archive-date=12 April 2019 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://m.dw.com/en/imf-world-economic-outlook-puts-ghana-in-the-lead/a-48356052|title=IMF World Economic Outlook puts Ghana in the lead|last=Frohlich|first=Sija|website=Deutsche Welle|access-date=2020-11-23}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/05/ghana-is-set-to-be-the-worlds-fastest-growing-economy-this-year-according-to-the-imf/|title=Ghana will grow faster than any other economy this year, the IMF says why|last=Edmond|first=Charlotte|website=World Economic Forum|access-date=2020-11-23}} Also, Ghana's GDP by 2019 was the 9th largest in Africa.{{Cite web|url=https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2019/02/05/pr1933-egypt-imf-exec-board-completes-4th-review-extended-fund-facility|title=Egypt—IMF Executive Board Completes Fourth Review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), February 2019|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2018&ey=2019&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=41&pr1.y=15&c=672%2C674%2C612%2C676%2C614%2C678%2C682%2C684%2C686%2C638%2C688%2C728%2C616%2C692%2C694%2C748%2C618%2C624%2C622%2C626%2C628%2C632%2C636%2C634%2C714%2C662%2C716%2C611%2C722%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C642%2C726%2C643%2C199%2C734%2C733%2C644%2C646%2C648%2C732%2C652%2C656%2C738%2C654%2C742%2C744%2C746%2C664%2C754%2C666%2C698%2C668&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC&grp=0&a=|title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019|date=2019-09-02|website=www.imf.org|access-date=2019-09-02}}
In 2018, the president introduced the 7-year Co-ordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies which is expected to create jobs for the country. According to the president, the policies are founded on "five pillars of growth and development, namely revitalizing the economy; transform agriculture and industry; revamping economic and social infrastructure; strengthening social protection and inclusion; and reforming delivery system of public services institutions.{{cite news |title=PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO LAUNCHES 7-YEAR CO-ORDINATED PROGRAMME OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES |url=http://www.ghana.gov.gh/index.php/news/4560-president-launches-action-plan-to-combat-anti-microbial-resistance |access-date=8 August 2019 |publisher=ghana.gov}}
==One district, one factory==
{{Main|One district, one factory}}
The one district, one factory was a policy aimed at providing jobs through industrialization. The policy was part of the government manifesto to provide an industry and factory within every district in Ghana.
From June to July 2020, the government stated that, across the country 76 factories were in operation. Due to the policy, 28 factories are newly built factories whiles 48 are existing factories under the implementation of expansion and revival.{{Cite web|title=76 Factories Operating Under 1D1F-Nana Akomea|url=https://www.modernghana.com/amp/news/1041810/76-factories-operating-under-1d1f-nana-akomea.html|access-date=2020-11-10|website=Modern Ghana|date=10 November 2020 |language=en-gb}}{{Cite web|title=1D1F; 76 factories operational, 94 underr construction|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/1d1f-76-factories-operational-94-under-construction.html|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}
==Ekumfi Fruits & Juices Limited==
{{Main|Ekumfi Fruits & Juices Limited}}
The industry specializes in the manufacturing of locally made fruit juices from the Ekumfi Abor district in the Central Region of Ghana.{{Cite web|date=2019-11-17|title=Ekumfi juice factory begins test production|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ekumfi-juice-factory-begins-test-production-799897|access-date=2020-08-04|website=www.ghanaweb.com}}{{Cite web|title=Ekumfi Fruits & Juices Ltd|url=http://www.ekumfijuice.com/|access-date=2020-08-04|website=www.ekumfijuice.com}} It forms part of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.{{Cite web|title=Ekumfi juice factory to accrue GH¢530 million annually|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ekumfi-juice-factory-to-accrue-gh-530-million-annually.html|access-date=2020-08-04|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}
The factory has created about 5000 direct jobs in an attempt to alleviate poverty within the community and its neighboring districts and regions.{{Cite web|title=Ekumfi Fruits & Juices Company receives GH¢7.7m financing|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ekumfi-fruits-juices-company-receives-gh-7-7m-financing.html|access-date=2020-08-04|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}} The facility is known to be the biggest processing factory for fruits in West Africa, producing approximately 10 tons of fruits per hour.{{Cite web|date=2019-12-12|title=Packaged fruit juice from Ekumfi factory to hit market by mid-December|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2019/12/packaged-fruit-juice-from-ekumfi-factory-to-hit-market-by-mid-december/|access-date=2020-08-04|website=Citinewsroom|language=en-US}}
= Health and infrastructure =
On January 28, 2020, the president delivered 307 ambulances for the 275 constituencies in Ghana, with one ambulance per constituency. This stems from the presidential campaign promise during the 2016 general elections of the initiative one constituency one ambulance.{{Cite web|title=President Akufo-Addo commissions 307 ambulances in fulfillment of the '1 constituency 1 ambulance initiative|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-president-akufo-addo-commissions-307-ambulances-in-fulfillment-of-the-1-constituency-1-ambulance-initiative.html
|access-date=2020-11-24|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}{{Cite web|title=Nana Delivers One Constituency One Ambulance Promise|url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/nana-delivers-one-constituency-one-ambulance-promise/
|access-date=2020-11-24|website=Daily Guide Network|date=28 January 2020
|language=en-gb}}
In 2020, the government partnered with the private sector to build the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre which is Ghana's first infectious disease centre.{{Cite web|date=2020-07-25|title=Bawumia commissions 100-bed infectious disease centre sponsored by Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/health/bawumia-commissions-100-bed-infectious-disease-centre-sponsored-by-ghana-covid-19-private-sector-fund/|access-date=2020-07-30|website=MyJoyOnline.com|language=en-US}} In January 2020, the country adopted the 112 general emergency number to merge all emergency numbers.{{cite web |title=Ghana announces 112 as new general emergency number |url=https://3news.com/ghana-announces-112-as-new-general-emergency-number/ |website=3news.com |date=28 January 2020 |access-date=28 January 2020}} The president commenced the construction of the Pokuase Interchange in partnership with the African Development Bank.{{cite web |title=Work on two Accra interchanges progressing |url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/work-on-two-interchanges-in-accra-progressing.html |website=Graphic Online |access-date=19 August 2020 |language=en-gb}} The interchange is Africa's second four level stack interchange and the first in West Africa.{{Cite web|title=2 Accra Interchanges Ready Next Month|url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/2-accra-interchanges-ready-next-month/
|access-date=2021-01-05|website=Daily Guide Network|date=15 October 2020
|language=en-gb}} The project was initiated as a 3-tier interchange during the Mahama administration but was changed to a 4-tier by the Akufo-Addo government.{{Cite web|title=Akufo-Addo commissions phase one of Pokuase interchange|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/akufo-addo-commissions-phase-one-of-pokuase-interchange.html
|access-date=2021-01-05|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}
The implementation of a paperless port system at Ghana's major ports occurred in September 2017. This new system reduced the time required for clearing goods during shipping from a period of one week to four hours. The Ghana Revenue Authority reported in 2019 that import revenue increased by 3.9% as a result.{{Cite web|last1=Wass|first1=Sanne |date= 13 February 2019|title=Paperless port system prompts import revenue growth in Ghana|website=Global Trade Review|url=https://www.gtreview.com/news/africa/paperless-port-system-prompts-import-revenue-growth-in-ghana/|access-date=20 June 2021}} On 1 June 2020, the paperless system, initially managed by GCNET, was replaced by a new software in the form of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). The ICUMS serves as a window through which all documents and payments are processed. The introduction of the new system was met with rejection from some stakeholders such as the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders who questioned its efficacy.{{Cite web|last1=Nettey|first1=Nerteley |date= 28 April 2020|title=GRA set to use new integrated Customs Management System|website=Citinewsroom|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/04/gra-set-to-use-new-integrated-customs-management-system/#:~:text=The%20Ghana%20Revenue%20Authority%20(GRA,Tuesday%2C%20April%2028%2C%202020.|access-date=20 June 2021}} The government justified their decision to execute the use of the new management system after statistical data from the GRA in December 2020 revealed that the ICUMS generated GH¢10.5 billion between June and December, 2020, which was higher on a year-on-year comparison with the previous paperless software program in terms of revenue generation.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-23|title=ICUMS generates GHc10.5billion revenue from June to December 12|url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/1051488/icums-generates-ghc105billion-revenue-from-june.html|access-date=2021-06-20|website=www.modernghana.com|language=en}}
= Environment =
{{Main|Operation Vanguard}}
Operation Vanguard is a Military Police Joint Task Force (JTF) set up by the president in 2017 to combat the operation of galamsey in Ghana. Galamseyers are illegal miners and have over the years depleted Ghana's forest cover and water bodies due to the crude and unregulated nature of the mining process.{{Cite news|url=http://www.gbcghana.com/1.11923484|title=MD of Ghana Water Company Limited says fight against galamsey is being lost|last=Gyekye|first=Joyce|work=Ghana Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=2018-05-22}}
Three Forward Operating Bases were established in the Ashanti, Eastern and Western Regions.{{Cite news|url=http://citifmonline.com/2017/12/16/use-of-weapons-by-galamseyers-troubling-operation-vanguard-commander/|title=Use of weapons by 'galamseyers' troubling - Operation Vanguard Commander|date=2017-12-16|work=Citi FM Online|access-date=2018-05-24|language=en-US}}
The JTF is made up of service men and women from the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service. At the start of the operation, the government placed a six-month ban on all forms of small scale mining in the country. The operation was extended from January 2018 to June 2018 because its intended objectives had not yet been achieved.
==Success==
In February 2018, over 1,000 illegal miners had been arrested and their equipment seized. Several hundred makeshift accommodations had been destroyed. Successful operations had stopped the pollution of bodies of water, especially at Dokokyina near the Bui Dam, as well as the rivers of Birim, Ankobra, and Offin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/New-chapter-for-Operation-Vanguard-627394|title=New chapter for Operation Vanguard|work=Ghana Web|date=19 February 2018|language=en|access-date=2018-05-24}}{{Cite web|url=https://gaecgh.org/ghanas-groundwater-reserves-threatened-by-illegal-mining-activities/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526190504/https://gaecgh.org/ghanas-groundwater-reserves-threatened-by-illegal-mining-activities/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=26 May 2018|title=Ghana's Groundwater Reserves Threatened by Illegal Mining Activities|publisher=Ghana Atomic Energy Commission|language=en-US|access-date=2018-05-26}}
=COVID-19 pandemic=
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana}}
On 11 March 2020, President Nana Akufo-Addo directed the minister of finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, to make the cedi equivalent of $US100 million{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Panic-hits-social-media-as-Ghana-confirms-first-cases-of-coronavirus-893413|title=Panic 'hits' social media as Ghana confirms first cases of coronavirus|website=www.ghanaweb.com|date=13 March 2020}} available in order to enhance Ghana's coronavirus preparedness and response plan for the COVID-19 pandemic. The president disclosed that the government, through the MoE, planned a relief package for private schools who were affected by COVID-19 induced shutdown of schools.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-07|title=President Akufo-Addo hints of relief package for private schools|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/President-Akufo-Addo-hints-of-relief-package-for-private-schools-1053127|access-date=2020-09-07|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en}}
A tax waiver of GHS174 million cedis (equivalent to US$30 million) on income taxes of frontline workers was granted for three months from July to September 2020{{Cite news|first1=Ernest|last1=Arhinful|first2=Duke|last2=Mensah Opoku|date=15 August 2020|title=Parliament approves GHS174M tax waiver for frontline health workers|work=Citi Newsroom|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/08/parliament-approves-ghs174m-tax-waiver-for-frontline-health-workers/|access-date=17 August 2020}}{{Cite web|date=2020-08-14|title=Parliament approves GHS174M tax waiver for frontline health workers|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/08/parliament-approves-ghs174m-tax-waiver-for-frontline-health-workers/|access-date=2020-08-15|website=Citinewsroom|language=en-US}} and by November 2020, it was extended till the end of the year.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-08|title=Coronavirus: Govt extends incentives for health workers till December|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Coronavirus-Govt-extends-incentives-for-health-workers-till-December-1103824|access-date=2020-11-08|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en}} Under Akufo Addo's administration, government provided cooked and uncooked food to the vulnerable during the 3-week lockdown.{{Cite web|date=2020-07-23|title=COVID-19: GH¢54.3 million spent on food for vulnerable during lockdown|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/07/covid-19-gh%c2%a254-3-million-spent-on-food-for-vulnerable-during-lockdown/|access-date=2020-07-24|website=Citinewsroom|language=en-US}} Electricity and water were provided free for the rest of 2020{{Cite web|title=Govt announces free electricity for the rest of the year|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/govt-announces-free-electricity-for-the-rest-of-the-year.html|access-date=2020-07-24|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}} and for the first three months of 2021.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-03|title=Lifeline consumers to continue getting free electricity, free water till March|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2021/01/lifeline-consumers-to-continue-getting-free-electricity-free-water-till-march/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Citinewsroom|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Gov't extends free electricity, water initiative to March|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-gov-t-extends-free-electricity-water-initiative-till-march.html|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}} On 19 April 2020, the president announced the easing of the partial lockdown imposed for three weeks. Preventive protocols were still in effect.{{Cite web|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/covid-19-ghana-s-case-count-now-1-042-recoveries-99.html|title=Covid-19: Ghana's case count now 1,042, recoveries 99|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb|access-date=2020-04-19}}{{Cite web|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/04/ghanas-coronavirus-cases-hit-1042/|title=Ghana's Coronavirus cases hit 1,042|date=2020-04-19|website=Citinewsroom|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-19}} Stage one of the process of easing restrictions took effect on 5 June 2020. Religious services, funerals, and weddings were allowed with reduced capacity and length.{{Cite web|title=President Akufo-Addo's 10th Update On Covid19|url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/president-akufo-addos-10th-update-on-covid19/|date=2020-05-31|website=DailyGuide Network|language=en-US|access-date=2020-06-01}}{{Cite web|title=Why President Akufo-Addo relaxed Covid-19 restrictions [FULL ADDRESS]|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/why-president-akufo-addo-relaxed-covid-19-restrictions-full-address.html|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb|access-date=2020-06-01}}
==Ghana CARES==
On 18 November 2020 the Ghana CARES program was launched by Nana Akufo-Addo.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-18|title=Govt launches GH¢100 billion Ghana CARES programme|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Govt-launches-GH-100-billion-Ghana-CARES-programme-1112446|access-date=2020-11-20|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-11-19|title=Ghana CARES programme launched to revitalise the economy|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Ghana-CARES-programme-launched-to-revitalise-the-economy-1112737|access-date=2020-11-20|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en}} The initiative serves as a 'blueprint' for the recovery of Ghana's economy post COVID-19.{{Cite web|title=Govt launches GH¢100bn economic recovery blueprint|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/govt-launches-gh-100bn-economic-recovery-blueprint.html|access-date=2020-11-20|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}{{Cite web|last=Petetsi|first=Julius Yao|date=2020-05-29|title=Ghana: Govt to Roll Out Economic Rescue Programme--Finance Minister|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202005290653.html|access-date=2020-11-20|website=allAfrica.com|language=en}}
=Other initiatives=
Under the regime of Akufo-Addo, the government sponsored the Ghana Post GPS, which is the first digital addressing system created in the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsghana.com.gh/ghanaians-charged-to-download-and-generate-digital-address/|title=Ghanaians charged to download and generate digital address {{!}} News Ghana|website=www.newsghana.com.gh|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-24}} The system provides a digital address as well as postal codes for every 5 squared meter location in Ghana.{{Cite news|url=http://citifmonline.com/2017/10/18/nana-addo-launches-ghanas-digital-property-address-system/|title=Nana Addo launches Ghana's Digital Property Address System|last=Adogla-Bessa|first=Delali|date=2017-10-18|work=Ghana News|access-date=2017-10-30|language=en-GB}} In May 2020, Ghana launched the world's first digital financial services policy.{{Cite web|title=Ghana launches the world's first digital finance policy amid COVID-19|url=https://familyremittances.org/actions/ghana-launches-worlds-first-digital-finance-policy-amid-covid-19/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=International Day of Family Remittances|language=en-gb}}{{Cite web|title=Ghana launches world's first Digital Finance Policy amid COVID-19|url=https://www.financedigitalafrica.org/2020/05/26/ghana-launches-worlds-first-digital-finance-policy-amid-covid-19/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=Finance Digital Africa|language=en-gb}}{{Cite web|title=Ghana launches world's first Digital Finance Policy amid COVID-19|url=https://dnar.io/ghana-launches-worlds-first-digital-finance-policy-amid-covid-19/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=Dinar|language=en-gb}} Also, the Office of the Special Prosecutor was established in 2017 to make inquiries into crimes at the national level. Planting for Food and Jobs was a program initiated in 2017 on the premise that foods such as maize, rice and sorghum are insufficiently produced in Ghana, leading to losses in potential GDP growth in the country. The program took inspiration from Operation Feed Yourself; an agricultural policy by Ghana's 6th Head of state, Ignatius Kutu Acheampong.{{Cite web|url=http://mofa.gov.gh/site/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/PFJ%20document%20New%20New.pdf|title=Planting for Food and Jobs|website=Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Ghana)|date=October 3, 2017|access-date=May 7, 2019}}
The 2018 Ghanaian new regions referendum led to an increase in Ghana's regions from ten to sixteen under the president's administration. The new regions are Oti, Western North, North East, Ahafo (splitting from Brong), Savannah and Bono East Regions. The creations of the regions end decades of petitions to the government calling for the development of new regions.{{cite news |title=Ghana Now Has 16 Regions |url=https://www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/top-stories/ghana-now-has-16-regions/ar-BBTEn4N |access-date=12 August 2019 |publisher=MSN}} The Minerals Income Investment Fund was implemented in 2019 to manage and invest in Ghana's mining royalties.{{Cite web|date=2019-10-04|title=Raise local players in mining sector – Akufo-Addo to MIIF Board|url=https://www.theghanareport.com/raise-local-players-in-mining-sector-akufo-addo-to-miif-board/|access-date=2020-10-06|website=The Ghana Report|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Minerals Income Investment Fund – Ministry of Information|url=http://moi.gov.gh/tag/minerals-income-investment-fund/|access-date=2020-10-06|language=en}}
Foreign affairs
In 2017, president Akufo-Addo approved of Ghana's participation in the ECOWAS military intervention in the Gambia. He supported the inauguration of the then president-elect, Adama Barrow.{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2017-01-18/ghana-to-deploy-troops-to-gambia-border/ |title=Ghana to deploy troops to Gambia border |publisher=Itv.com |date=2017-01-18 |access-date=2017-07-15}}
On December 29, 2019, the president expressed his desire to adopt the new eco currency as West Africa's single currency.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-westafrica-economy/ghana-wants-to-join-new-west-african-currency-but-ditch-euro-peg-idUSKBN1YX0EH|title=Ghana wants to join new West African currency but ditch euro peg|publisher=Reuters|date=2019-12-29|access-date=2020-01-01}}
The year of return was formally launched in September 2018 during his visit in Washington, D.C. as a program for Africans in the diaspora to unite with Africans.
{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/december-2018-march-2019/2019-year-return-african-diaspora|title=2019: Year of return for African Diaspora {{!}} Africa Renewal|website=www.un.org|date=7 December 2018|access-date=2019-08-18}} The year of return boosted tourism in Ghana with visits from famous celebrities such as Kofi Kingston,{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/kofi-kingston-to-return-to-ghana|title=Kofi Kingston plans historic homecoming to Ghana|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=2019-08-24}}{{Cite web|url=https://face2faceafrica.com/article/wwe-star-kofi-kingston-returns-home-to-ghana-after-26-years-photos|title=WWE star Kofi Kingston returns home to Ghana after 26 years [Photos]|date=2019-05-30|website=Face2Face Africa|language=en|access-date=2019-08-24}} Steve Harvey{{Cite web|url=http://www.myjoyonline.com/entertainment/2019/August-17th/videophotos-steve-harvey-visits-cape-coast-castle-gets-emotional.php|title=Videos/Photos: Steve Harvey visits Cape Coast Castle, gets emotional|website=www.myjoyonline.com|access-date=2019-08-24}}
and Michael Jai White. The Beyond the Return initiative succeed the year of return as a program to foster economic relations and investments between the African diaspora and Ghana as well as Africa.
On 18 August 2020, the president commissioned and handed over the headquarters of the ACFTA Secretariat to the AU in Accra.{{Cite web|title=Akufo-Addo commissions and hands-over AfCFTA secretariat to AU commission|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/akufo-addo-commissions-and-hands-over-afcfta-secretariat-to-au-commission/
|access-date=2020-12-02|website=Joy online|language=en-gb}} President Akufo-Addo had earlier signed the ACFTA, Kigali declaration and Protocol on Free Movement of People on 21 March 2018, at the 2018 Kigali Summit.{{cite web |title=INDICATION OF LEGAL INSTRUMENTS SIGNED AT THE 10TH EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE ASSEMBLY ON THE LAUNCH OF THE AFCFTA |url = https://www.tralac.org/documents/resources/african-union/1831-legal-instruments-signed-at-10th-extraordinary-summit-on-afcfta-21-march-2018/file.html |website=Tralac |access-date=8 July 2019 }}
= Foreign relations with Barbados =
As part of a visit by the prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley to Ghana in November 2019, Ghana and Barbados signed two agreements at the Jubilee House on 15 November 2015. The memorandum of understanding involved the recruitment of Ghanaian nurses to Barbados and a sister port agreement between Port of Tema and Bridgetown Port.{{Cite web|url=https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghana-Barbados-sign-major-port-health-agreements-800241|title = Ghana, Barbados sign major port, health agreements|date = 18 November 2019}}{{cite news |date=16 November 2019 |title=Ghana, Barbados sign agreement to establish sister Port relationship |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/967875/ghana-barbados-sign-agreement-to-establish-sister.html |department=General News |location=Adentan, Accra |publisher=Modern Ghana |access-date=16 November 2019 |quote=Ghana and Barbados today, [November 15, 2019] signed an agreement to establish a sister-port relationship between the Tema and Bridgetown, to facilitate the expansion of trade between the two countries, especially trade transiting through Barbados from Ghana and onward to other Caribbean and Latin America destination ports. The agreement was signed at the Jubilee House, when the Prime Minister of Barbados, Her Excellency Mia Mottley, paid a courtesy call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as part of her official visit to Ghana. }}
= Foreign relations with Jamaica =
{{See also|Ghana–Jamaica relations}}
President Akufo-Addo held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, in Kingston where they agreed to reciprocal visa free travel between Ghana and Jamaica in order to improve trade between both countries.{{Cite web|title=Ghana, Jamaica waive entry visa requirements for citizens|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-ghana-jamaica-waive-entry-visa-requirements-for-citizens.html
|access-date=2021-01-15|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}
= Foreign relations with Mexico =
{{See also|Ghana–Mexico relations}}
In August 2019, Mexican Foreign Undersecretary Julián Ventura Valero paid a visit to Ghana and met with Foreign Deputy Minister Charles Owiredu. Both nations agreed to establish a Consultation Mechanism on Common Interests. Ghana also declared its intention to re-open an embassy in Mexico City.[https://www.gob.mx/sre/prensa/comunicado-conjunto-secretaria-de-relaciones-exteriores-de-mexico-y-ministerio-de-asuntos-exteriores-e-integracion-regional-de-ghana Comunicado Conjunto: Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores de México y Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores e Integración Regional de Ghana (in Spanish)]
= Foreign relations with the United States =
{{See also|Ghana–United States relations}}
In 2018, the Government of Ghana initiated a Status of Forces agreement with the United States Department of Defense. Several Ghanaian intellectuals such as former president Jerry Rawlings and MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, opposed the military agreement with concerns that it will obstruct and influence Ghanaian self sovereignty.{{cite news|url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/844381/okudzeto-ablakwa-tells-us-pull-out-of-us-ghana-military-dea.html|title=Okudzeto Ablakwa Tells US; Pull Out of US-Ghana Military Deal|last1=Laryea|date=28 March 2018|access-date=19 April 2018|publisher=Modern Ghana|agency=Modern Ghana|quote=" We don't want a permanent military base in our country...so they can advise themselves and pull out of Ghana. Ghana should not be one of the countries they are considering this kind of agreement. We will employ all channels within the law to put pressure on President Akuffo-Addo to take Ghana out of this agreement."}}{{cite news|url=https://www.atinkaonline.com/tv/rawlings-kicks-against-proposed-us-military-base/|title=Rawlings Kicks Against Proposed 'US Military Base'|date=21 March 2018|access-date=19 April 2018|publisher=Atinkaonline.com|agency=AtinkaTV|quote=" Ghanaians may love Americans but not to the extent of living with foreign troops on such a scale. Ghanaians have enough foreigners dominating their economic and social life. Adding foreign troops to the discomfort would be a bit too much. Ghanaians have felt stateless before in my lifetime. Let's not go there again ".}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghana-s-military-deal-with-US-substandard-Bright-Simons-643345|title=Ghana's military deal with US substandard – Bright Simons|website=GhanaWeb|publisher=citinewsroom|access-date=20 April 2018|quote=" Since 1998, we’ve signed agreements with the US. The problem is that, if you compare that quality of the agreement that we have with the US to those that other countries have with the US, ours is not of the requisite quality. So the political elites must acknowledge that they have not done right by us "}} In April 2018, the president denounced these claims and asserted that the agreement did not include the construction of a future United States military base in Ghana.{{cite news|url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/846254/us-military-deal-nana-addo-stokes-fire.html|title=US Military Deal: Nana Addo Stokes Fire!|date=7 April 2018|access-date=20 April 2018|publisher=Modern Ghana|agency=Daily Guide}}{{cite news|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/politics/2018/April-5th/full-speech-akufo-addos-address-on-controversial-military-deal.php|title=Full speech: Akufo-Addo's address on controversial military deal|date=5 April 2018|access-date=20 April 2018|publisher=myoyonline.com|agency=Joyonline}}
= Multilateral relations =
Akuffo-Addo, who was chairman of ECOWAS, oversaw a diplomatic meeting between the bloc and Mali on 9 January 2022 at Accra, following the forced overthrowal of president Bah Ndaw. Mali was suspended from the union over delayal to uphold elections after the 2020 Malian coup d'état.{{Cite news|last=Akorlie|first=Christian|date=2022-01-09|title=West African nations sever links with Mali over election delay|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mali-eyes-elections-four-years-west-african-bloc-mulls-sanctions-2022-01-09/|access-date=2022-01-09}} Guinea was also suspended from the bloc after it fell to a coup within the same year.[https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/west-african-leaders-due-guinea-post-coup-calm-pervades-conakry-2021-09-09/ West African leaders due in Guinea as post-coup calm pervades Conakry,"] September 9, 2021, Reuters News Service, retrieved September 9, 2021[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58487925 "West African leaders suspend Guinea from Ecowas following coup,"] September 9, 2021, BBC News, retrieved September 9, 2021 Sanctions were placed on both countries on 16 September 2021.{{cite news|first1=Akorlie|last1=Christian|first2=Saliou|last2=Samb|first3=Bate|last3=Felix|first4=Cooper|last4=Inveen|first5=Alessandra|last5=Prentice|editor1-first=Andrew|editor1-last=Cawthorne|editor2-first=Marguerita|editor2-last=Choy|editor3-first=Grant|editor3-last=McCool|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/west-african-leaders-meet-decide-guinea-after-coup-2021-09-16/|title=West African bloc resorts to sanctions over Guinea and Mali coups|date=September 17, 2021|work=Reuters|access-date=September 17, 2021|url-access=registration}} Akufo-Addo, led an ECOWAS delegation to Conakry to meet with junta leaders on 17 September 2021.{{Cite web|date=2021-09-17|title=Ghana's Akufo-Addo to meet Guinea's sanction-hit junta|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ghanas-akufo-addo-meet-guineas-sanction-hit-junta-2021-09-17/|access-date=2021-09-17|website=Reuters|language=en}} On 28 January 2022, ECOWAS announced the suspension of Burkina Faso's membership as a result of the 2022 Burkina Faso coup d'état.{{cite news |last=Wilkins |first=Henry |date=28 January 2022 |title=ECOWAS Suspends Burkina Faso's Membership |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/ecowas-suspends-burkina-faso-s-membership-/6417087.html |work=VOA News |location= |access-date=29 January 2022 |archive-date=28 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128235630/http://www.voanews.com/a/ecowas-suspends-burkina-faso-s-membership-/6417087.html |url-status=live }}
During the Eleventh emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ghana was among the 11 countries on the Security Council who voted in favor of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2623, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.{{Cite journal |date=2022-02-27 |title=Security Council resolution 2623 (2022) [on convening an emergency special session of the General Assembly on Ukraine] |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3958818 |language=en}} Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchway had earlier condemned the invasion on 24 February, 2022.{{cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ghana condemns Russia's "unprovoked" attack on Ukraine |url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-condemns-russia-s-unprovoked-attack-on-ukraine.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225123448/https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-condemns-russia-s-unprovoked-attack-on-ukraine.html |url-status=live }} Evacuation of Ghanaians stranded in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion commenced within March. The first batch of 17 students arrived on 1 March 2022.{{cite web| title=Ghana Welcomes First Citizens Evacuated From Ukraine|website= Voice of America |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/ghana-welcomes-first-citizens-evacuated-from-ukraine/6464744.html |access-date=14 March 2022}}
Controversies
{{Further|Nana Akufo-Addo administration controversies}}
= Plagiarism of inauguration speech =
Nana Akufo-Addo was accused of lifting parts of his inauguration speech from previous addresses given by former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/ghana-nana-akufo-addo-caught-plagiarism-row-170108165213500.html|title=Ghana: Nana Akufo-Addo caught up in plagiarism row|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2017-01-15}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38555356|title=Ghana's Nana Akufo-Addo and other leaders caught up in plagiarism scandals|date=2017-01-09|newspaper=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-01-15}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ghana-politics-idUSKBN14S0VD|title=Ghana president faces outcry over plagiarism in inaugural speech|date=2017-01-08|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=2017-01-15}} This led to a public uproar with some deeming it as an embarrassment to the country and calling for the sacking of the speechwriter or for someone to take responsibility.{{Cite news|url=http://www.atinkaonline.com/1.10611907|title=Akufo-Addo's plagiarized speech depressing, shocking -Minority|last=Yeboah|first=Isaac|newspaper=atinkaonline.com|access-date=2017-01-15}}{{Cite news|url=http://pulse.com.gh/politics/npp-govt-speechwriters-of-nana-addo-must-be-sacked-for-plagiarism-gaffe-group-id6016062.html|title=NPP Gov't: Speechwriters of Nana Addo must be sacked for plagiarism gaffe |last=Tornyi|first=Emmanuel|access-date=2017-01-15}} The director of communication at the presidency subsequently issued an apology.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsghana.com.gh/eugene-arhin-apologizes-for-failing-to-credit-parts-of-nana-addos-speech/|title=Eugene Arhin Apologizes for Failing to Credit Parts of Nana Addo's Speech|date=2017-01-07|newspaper=News Ghana|access-date=2017-01-15}} Some public figures also called for Ghanaians to disregard the incident.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/A-Plus-jabs-Ghanaians-over-Akufo-Addo-s-plagiarized-speech-499313|title=A Plus jabs Ghanaians over Akufo-Addo's "plagiarized speech"|website=www.ghanaweb.com|date=8 January 2017|access-date=2017-01-15}} Akufo-Addo has since referred to the incident in jest at a thanksgiving service he attended.{{Cite web|url=http://starrfmonline.com/2017/01/15/akufo-addo-laughs-off-plagiarism-gaffe/|title=Akufo-Addo laughs off plagiarism gaffe|date=2017-01-15|website=Starr Fm|access-date=2017-01-15}}
=Breaking of laws by vigilante groups=
Vigilante groups loyal to the government known as the Delta Force went on rampage and forcefully ejected the nominee of Ashanti regional security coordinator nominated by the president.{{cite web|title=Vandalism: 200 NPP 'Delta Force' attack Ashanti Regional Security Capo|url=http://www.myjoyonline.com/politics/2017/March-24th/ashanti-regional-security-coordinator-attacked.php|website=www.myjoyonline.com|publisher=Myjoyonline.com|access-date=6 April 2017}} The vigilantee group stormed the circuit court in Kumasi and freed 13 members of their group in custody of the Police.{{cite web|title=Video: NPP's Delta Force free vigilante suspects in court custody|url=http://www.myjoyonline.com/politics/2017/April-6th/video-npps-delta-force-free-vigilante-suspects-in-prison-custody.php|website=www.myjoyonline.com|publisher=Myjoyonline.com|access-date=6 April 2017}}
Re-election
{{Main|2020 Ghanaian general election}}
In February 2019, former president John Mahama was confirmed as the candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ghana-politics/ghanas-ex-president-mahama-nominated-to-contest-2020-election-idUSKCN1QG246 Ghana's ex-President Mahama nominated to contest 2020 election] Reuters, 27 February 2019 In December, incumbent president Nana Akufo-Addo announced his intentions of contesting for re-election as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate.[https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Akufo-Addo-announces-intention-to-contest-2020-elections-822151 Akufo-Addo announces intention to contest 2020 elections] GhanaWeb News, 23 December 2019 He was chosen as the NPP candidate in June 2020. This was the third time Akufo-Addo and John Mahama contested against each other in a Ghanaian general election. Mahama and Akufo-Addo previously ran against each other in both 2012 (with Mahama winning) and 2016 (with Akufo-Addo winning).{{cite web |title=Ghana's President Akufo-Addo chosen by ruling party for poll rematch against John Mahama|url=https://news.yahoo.com/ghanas-president-akufo-addo-chosen-152620299.html |website=news.yahoo.com |access-date=27 June 2020}} In all, 17 candidates contested for the election.{{cite web |title=17 Presidential aspirants to know their position by Wednesday, October 14 |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/17-Presidential-aspirants-to-know-their-position-by-Wednesday-October-14-1082368 |website=ghanaweb.com |publisher=GhanaWeb |access-date=16 October 2020 |date=12 October 2020}} {{as of| 2020}}, this is the highest number of presidential candidates in a Ghanaian presidential election.
File:2020 Ghanaian presidential election.png
Nana Akufo-Addo won the election in the first round with 51.30% of the votes against Mahama's 47.36%.{{cite web |title=EC revises disparities in presidential election results |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/EC-revises-disparities-in-presidential-election-results-1130120 |website=ghanaweb.com |date=10 December 2020 |access-date=10 December 2020 |language=en-gb}}
= Coinciding parliamentary election =
{{See also|List of MPs elected in the 2020 Ghanaian general election}}
| class="wikitable"
! Affiliation ! Members |
| New Patriotic Party (NPP)
| align="right" |137 |
| National Democratic Congress (NDC)
| align="right" |136 |
| Independent
| align="right" | 1 |
| bgcolor="CCCCCC"
| Total | align="right" | 274 of 275 |
| bgcolor="CCCCCC"
| Government Majority | align="right" | |
| colspan="2" | Source: [https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/ghanaelection2020/elections.parliamentary.results.php GhanaWeb] |
As many as 40 NPP MPs lost their primaries.{{cite web |title=Election 2020: Notable MPs who will not return to Parliament next year |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Election-2020-Notable-MPs-who-will-not-return-to-Parliament-next-year-1124096 |website=www.ghanaweb.com |access-date=8 December 2020 |language=en |date=2 December 2020}} The NDC also won many seats in parliament compared to the preceding election in 2016.
See also
Notes
:1.{{note|Alpha|Note 1}}Cabinet does not include deputy ministers. Article 76(1) of the 1992 Constitution states that, “There shall be a cabinet which shall consist of the President, the Vice President and not less than ten and not more than nineteen Ministers of State”.{{Cite news|url=http://www.myjoyonline.com/politics/2017/May-30th/akufo-addo-submits-19-cabinet-ministers-list-to-parliament.php|title=Osafo Maafo, Atta Akyea, Ursula missing in Akufo-Addo's 19-member Cabinet|date=2017-05-30|access-date=2017-05-31|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530161528/http://www.myjoyonline.com/politics/2017/May-30th/akufo-addo-submits-19-cabinet-ministers-list-to-parliament.php|archive-date=2017-05-30|url-status=live}}
:2.{{note|Beta|Note 2}} Sarah Adwoa Safo doubles as Deputy Majority Leader.