Honorable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Member of Parliament for Ellembele and Deputy Minority Leader, has delivered a scathing critique of the outgoing Nana Akufo-Addo administration, describing it as the “worst government in the Fourth Republic.”
Speaking on January 3, 2025, following President Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA), Kofi Buah accused the government of leaving Ghana’s economy in disarray, marked by record inflation, rising debt, and worsening poverty levels. According to him, the past eight years under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leadership have been a period of unprecedented economic mismanagement and hardship for ordinary Ghanaians.
Key Criticisms
Economic Mismanagement
Kofi Buah slammed the Akufo-Addo government for its handling of the economy, stating:
- “We have come to the end of the road for what has been the worst government in the Fourth Republic. They have driven this country into an economic ditch.”
- He highlighted the soaring public debt, which reached 67% of GDP despite the recent debt restructuring, and rising inflation, which stood at 22.1% in December 2024.
- According to him, the government’s inability to manage the debt crisis forced Ghana into a controversial IMF bailout, eroding national sovereignty and public trust.
Worsening Poverty and Inequality
The Deputy Minority Leader pointed to growing inequality and poverty under the NPP regime: 
- He cited a USAID report showing that 31% of Ghanaians now live in poverty, up from 24% in 2019.
- “Despite the rhetoric, Free SHS and other social programs have not alleviated the economic struggles of most Ghanaians,” he added.
Energy Sector Failures
Buah, a former Minister of Energy, criticized the government for failing to address the energy sector’s inefficiencies, resulting in frequent power outages and mounting debts to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
- He noted that the sector remains in turmoil, with unpaid debts to IPPs exceeding $1 billion, affecting energy reliability for households and industries.
Corruption and Governance
The MP accused the Akufo-Addo government of overseeing rampant corruption:
- He referenced scandals such as the Agyapa Royalties deal and alleged misuse of COVID-19 funds as emblematic of systemic corruption under the NPP.
- “This government has failed to protect the public purse, contrary to its loud campaign promises,” he said.
Calls for Accountability
Kofi Buah emphasized the need for the incoming government, led by President-elect John Dramani Mahama, to prioritize accountability and transparency. He stated:
- “The people of Ghana deserve answers and action. Those responsible for this economic disaster must be held accountable.”
- He urged the incoming administration to focus on debt sustainability, job creation, and restoring confidence in public institutions.
Public Reaction
Kofi Buah’s remarks have sparked widespread debate on social media and among political analysts:
- Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) echoed his sentiments, describing the past eight years as a “lost decade” for Ghana.
- Critics, however, argue that while the NPP government faced challenges, external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global inflationary pressures played a significant role in the current economic situation.
The Road Ahead
As Ghana transitions to a new government, the economic and governance challenges highlighted by Kofi Buah remain critical issues. The Mahama-led administration faces the daunting task of restoring economic stability, creating jobs, and addressing public concerns over corruption.
The Deputy Minority Leader concluded with a rallying call:
“Ghana deserves better, and together, we must rebuild a nation that works for all.”
