Akufo-Addo’s downfall was his inability to manage expectations – Adei

Former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Professor Stephen Adei has said that President Nana Addo Danwka Akufo-Addo was unable to manage the huge expectations for Ghanaians relative to the promises that he gave prior to becoming president.

Prof Adei explained that expectations management is very important in running the affairs of any organisation and a country. He said this should be a warning sign to the president-elect John Dramani Mahama to manage the expectations of Ghanaians well.

Speaking on the Hot Issues on TV3 on Sunday, December 22, he said “I think that one of the downfalls of Akufo-Addo was his inability to manage expectations because what he promised that he would do he talked about Ghana getting to a point where we don’t need aid, now we are begging for money. So, expectation management is very important in running your home, your organisation, and running a country. So the first thing I will advise [John Mahama] is to manage expectations.” Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said he is proud of the performance of his administration.

He says posterity will judge his government’s performance well. His comments come at a time when some analysts blamed him for the defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections. Critics believed that the NPP suffered from the ills of Mr Akufo-Addo’s government.

Speaking at the notable launch of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s (PCG) Bicentennial Anniversary on Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Accra, President Akufo-Addo said “I speak to you proud of the achievements my government has chalked under God’s guidance and the support of our people. From transformative policies in education, health, industry, infrastructure and agriculture, to the promotion of good governance and economic development.

“I’m confident in all humility, prosperity will judge well the Akufo-Addo government’s performance. Future generations will look back on this era and say that we laid a strong foundation for progress and prosperity.” The President also acknowledged the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s vital role in supporting his administration.

“The impact of the gospel is not only seen in schools and hospitals but in the moral fibre of our people. As President, I have often drawn strength and wisdom from the word of God…Throughout my tenure of office, the Presbyterian Church has been a steadfast partner praying for me, encouraging me and supporting my government’s vision of national transformation, for this I’m deeply grateful.

“Your prayers have sustained me and your faith has inspired me to persevere even in the most challenging times.”

By: Laud Nartey