Leadership missteps after COVID-19: The critique that won’t go away
This is where many viewers will lean in—the claim that the Akufo-Addo administration started strong, but faltered once the COVID-19 crisis hit. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor openly questions the post-pandemic performance of the government, expressing disappointment in the direction taken after the early momentum.
In a recent interview with Deloris Frimpong Manso, posted on X on December 6, 2025, Kufuor reflected that while Akufo-Addo’s early days showed promise, the administration’s trajectory shifted markedly after the pandemic began. He also alleged that policy decisions were made without his consultation, leaving him unable to comprehend several of the party’s moves.
Kufuor’s remarks surface amid broader discussions about leadership style and accountability. He pointed to specific items—the bond market and the national cathedral—as examples of projects undertaken without collaborative input. He claimed that the government initially seemed to act with vigor, but post-COVID-19 decisions suggested a disconnect with experiences and guidance he believed were valuable, even if he did not fully endorse every action.
Despite the critique, Kufuor offered a constructive note for the NPP: unity and fidelity to the party’s core principles. He argued that truth and transparency should anchor their return to power, urging members to present a united front in service of the public’s expectations.
In his view, the 2024 electoral defeat for the NPP was influenced by the leadership style at the top—especially how it shifted after triumphs in the 2016 campaign—and he stopped short of endorsing specific blame, instead highlighting the need for alignment on core values and governance practices.
For supporters and critics alike, the question remains: can the NPP bridge the gaps between proven achievements and the misgivings aired by a former president? The debate continues as stakeholders evaluate leadership, consultation, and accountability in shaping Ghana’s political future.
