Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, born on March 29, 1944, in Accra, served as the 13th President of Ghana from January 2017 to January 2025. A lawyer by training and a veteran politician affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Akufo-Addo came from a prominent political family—his father, Edward Akufo-Addo, was Ghana’s third Chief Justice and a ceremonial president in the early 1970s. After two unsuccessful presidential bids in 2008 and 2012, Akufo-Addo won decisively in 2016 and was reelected in 2020. His administration navigated challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, economic turbulence, and global crises, while implementing transformative policies aimed at education, health, infrastructure, and industrialization. This article explores his key achievements, drawing from a comprehensive list of initiatives that have reshaped Ghana, ensuring future generations recognize his contributions to national development.
Empowering the Next Generation
Akufo-Addo’s tenure prioritized education as a cornerstone of Ghana’s progress, with policies designed to make learning accessible, inclusive, and future-oriented. The flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program, launched in 2017, eliminated tuition fees for public senior high schools, benefiting over 5.7 million students by 2024 and increasing enrollment by removing financial barriers for underprivileged youth. This initiative redefined basic education to include senior high school, covering vocational, agricultural, and technical institutions. Enrollment surged from around 800,000 in 2016 to over 1.4 million by 2023, with WASSCE results showing consistent improvements—over 50% of candidates scoring A1-C6 in core subjects since 2020. Complementary to Free SHS, Free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) provided skills-based education, restoring trainee allowances that had been canceled under the previous administration.
To foster innovation, Akufo-Addo emphasized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, commissioning Ghana’s first ICT Kindergarten and establishing dedicated STEM schools. In a historic move, 80 educational projects were commissioned in a single day, including classrooms, libraries, and dormitories. Free WiFi was extended to over 700 senior high schools and tertiary institutions, enhancing digital learning. The No Guarantor student loan policy simplified access to higher education financing, while the One Student, One Laptop initiative distributed devices to bridge the digital divide. Additionally, over 100 buses were provided to secondary schools for transportation needs.
Akufo-Addo’s government also expanded tertiary infrastructure, completing Phase 2 of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and establishing West Africa’s largest midwifery school there. The first Creative Arts school was built, nurturing artistic talents. These efforts culminated in record-high cocoa production in education outcomes, with Ghana’s youth better equipped for a knowledge-based economy.
| Key Education Achievements | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Free SHS & TVET | Tuition-free for over 5.7 million students; restored allowances | Increased enrollment by 90,000+ annually; improved WASSCE results |
| STEM & ICT Initiatives | First ICT Kindergarten; STEM schools; Free WiFi in 700+ institutions | Prepared youth for tech-driven jobs; enhanced digital literacy |
| Infrastructure Projects | 80 projects in one day; UHAS Phase 2; Midwifery school | Expanded access in underserved areas; trained healthcare professionals |
| Student Support | No Guarantor loans; 1 Student, 1 Laptop; 100+ school buses | Reduced dropout rates; improved mobility and equity |
Building a Resilient Health Sector
Healthcare under Akufo-Addo saw unprecedented investments, addressing long-standing gaps through the ambitious Agenda 111 project. This initiative aimed to construct 101 district hospitals, six regional hospitals, and three psychiatric hospitals, plus rehabilitating existing facilities like Effia-Nkwanta Hospital—representing the largest healthcare infrastructure program in Ghana’s history. Over 100 hospital and health projects were completed outside Agenda 111, including expansions at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) Phase 2 and Komfo Anokye Hospital’s maternity ward.
Ghana became home to the world’s largest medical drone delivery service, operated by Zipline, revolutionizing access to medicines in remote areas. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was expanded to cover free dialysis, sickle cell treatments, and childhood cancers. No cholera outbreaks occurred since 2017, thanks to improved sanitation and water access. During COVID-19, free electricity and water were provided, workers’ salaries paid, and local production of PPEs and drugs ramped up. The government established the National Vaccine Institute (NIV) for self-reliance in vaccine manufacturing.
Other milestones include 307 ambulances distributed nationwide—the most in Ghana’s history—and the completion of Euroget hospitals. These efforts saved Ghana 10 trillion cedis in judgment debts related to healthcare and improved overall health outcomes.
Connecting the Nation
Akufo-Addo’s administration invested heavily in infrastructure, constructing over 12,000 km of roads, including the Eastern Corridor roads, expansions of the Accra-Kumasi Road, and the Tema Motorway. The District Road Improvement Program (DRIP) equipped districts with machinery for maintenance. Interchanges like Ghana’s first four-tier at Pokuase enhanced urban mobility.
Aviation saw upgrades with Prempeh I and Tamale International Airports, the reopening of Sunyani Airport (closed since 2015), and West Africa’s first private jet terminal at Kotoka International Airport (KIA). Railways advanced with the Tema-Mpakadan line, while 14 fishing landing sites and ports boosted coastal economies. Energy infrastructure included West Africa’s largest floating solar plant on the Bui reservoir, the Lawra Solar plant, Pokuase Bulk Power supply, and K1TTP installation for middle-belt power stability—ensuring stable electricity for eight years.
Sports facilities expanded with over 150 astroturfs (from just three in 2016), 10 multipurpose youth sports centers, the Borteyman Sports Complex, and the University of Ghana Sports Complex. Housing projects, the National Rent Assistance Scheme, and the reconstruction of Appiatse after a disaster provided shelter and dignity.
Industrializing the Economy
The One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative marked the largest industrialization drive since independence, establishing 321 factories and creating 170,000 jobs by 2024. Ghana attracted six automobile assembly plants (Nissan, VW, Toyota, Sinotruk, Peugeot, Suzuki) and built Africa’s largest bitumen manufacturing plant, West Africa’s largest pharmaceutical plant (Atlantic Lifesciences), and other facilities.
Economic growth rose from 3.4% in 2016 to 7.2% in 2024 amid global crises, with unemployment dropping from 8.4% to 4% per Fitch Solutions. Gold reserves increased from 8.74 tons to 28.1 tons via the Gold for Oil program. Six new regions were created with administrative offices, promoting decentralized development. The YouStart initiative invested in youth businesses, while government appointees’ salaries were slashed by 30% for fiscal prudence. Over 2.3 million direct and indirect jobs were created.
Ghana hosted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat, enhancing trade prospects.
Food: From Deficit to Surplus
Agriculture transformed under Akufo-Addo, with growth from negative under the previous regime to 8.4%. Ghana achieved its highest cocoa production of 1 million metric tons in 2020/2021, supported by mass spraying, hand pollination, and cocoa bag prices rising from GH¢476 in 2016 to GH¢3,100 in 2024. The country became the world’s largest yam exporter and Africa’s top coconut producer (412,459 tonnes annually). Maize imports ceased since 2017, achieving self-sufficiency.
The Green Ghana Project planted millions of trees, combating deforestation.
Digitalization and Innovation
Digitalization was a hallmark, with the biometric multipurpose Ghana Card serving as a national ID and TIN, expanding TIN holders from 750,000 to 15.5 million. The Digital Address System mapped every location, while paperless ports and online services reduced corruption. Mobile money interoperability and universal QR code payments made Ghana Africa’s fastest-growing mobile money market.
Over 10,000 CCTV cameras improved security nationwide.
Strengthening Institutions
Police and security services were upgraded with new equipment and training. Three new fire service schools were built (from one in 2016). The Zongo Development Fund supported marginalized communities, and the first Islamic Nursing School was established.
Akufo-Addo resolved the Dagbon crisis, promoting peace. Decentralization included rotating Independence Day celebrations to boost local tourism.
Reconnecting the Diaspora
The Year of Return, Beyond the Return, and Destination Ghana initiatives made Ghana Africa’s top destination for diaspora returnees, with the highest naturalization rates. Visa-free travel for African passport holders was approved. Museums like Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Asomdwe Park, and Bonwire Kente Museum preserved heritage.
Akufo-Addo was named African of the Year for his leadership.
Social and Environmental Progress
The Kayayei program trained head porters in TVET skills with hostels. A local streaming app supported musicians. During COVID-19, salaries were paid, and free utilities provided. The first and second ladies refunded allowances, setting an ethical example.
Environmental efforts included the Green Ghana Project and local PPE production.
A Legacy for Posterity
Nana Akufo-Addo’s presidency leaves Ghana more educated, healthier, connected, and economically resilient. Despite criticisms on debt and corruption, his policies—rooted in the “Ghana Beyond Aid” vision—have laid foundations for sustainable growth. From Free SHS to Agenda 111, his achievements transcend politics, inspiring future generations. As Akufo-Addo noted in his final State of the Nation Address, “The progress we have made provides a strong foundation for continued growth and prosperity.” His legacy endures as a beacon of transformative leadership.
