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Nana Akufo-Addo9th President of Ghana since January 2017
Date of Birth: 29.03.1944
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Content:
- Nana Akufo-Addo: Ghana's 9th President and Political Legacy
- Legal and Political Career
- Presidency
- Legacy
Nana Akufo-Addo: Ghana's 9th President and Political Legacy
Early Life and EducationNana Akufo-Addo, born on March 29, 1944, in Accra, Ghana, hails from a prominent Ghanaian royal and political family. His father, Edward Akufo-Addo, served as Chief Justice of Ghana from 1966-1970 and as ceremonial President from 1970-1972. Akufo-Addo's maternal grandfather, Ofori Atta, was the King of Akyem Abuakwa and a member of the Gold Coast Governor's Executive Council before Ghana's independence.
After completing his secondary education in 1962, Akufo-Addo pursued a course in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Lancing College in Sussex, England. He returned to Ghana to teach at Accra Academy before studying Economics at the University of Ghana, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1967. Subsequently, he studied law in the United Kingdom and was called to the Middle Temple Bar in July 1971.
Legal and Political Career
A qualified lawyer, Akufo-Addo established his law firm, Prempeh and Co., in 1979. He entered politics as a candidate for the New Patriotic Party in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections but emerged unsuccessful. In the 2016 presidential election, Akufo-Addo secured 54% of the votes, defeating incumbent president John Mahama. He assumed office as President of Ghana on January 7, 2017.
Presidency
Economic Policies:Akufo-Addo's government prioritized reducing the budget deficit, creating jobs, and focusing on agriculture. He implemented a free senior high school education policy in public schools, starting in September 2017. An administrative reform aimed at "decentralizing" government by granting more powers to regional administrations was also implemented, along with increasing the number of regions.
International Relations:In February 2018, Akufo-Addo announced Ghana's decision not to sign a new loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund, citing the country's economic growth rate of 8.3% per year. He was re-elected in the 2020 election with over 51% of the votes and took office for a second term in early January 2021.
Legacy
Nana Akufo-Addo's presidency has been marked by economic growth, educational reforms, and an emphasis on empowering regions. His pledge to serve only two presidential terms and not contest in 2024 highlights his commitment to democratic values. As Ghana's 9th President, Akufo-Addo's legacy will undoubtedly be shaped by the impact of his policies on the nation's future.