Senior Advisor to the 2025 Bawumia Campaign, Anthony Abayifaa Karbo, has mounted a strong defence of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, arguing that time will ultimately provide a fairer assessment of his administration despite persistent criticism.
Since leaving office after eight years, the Akufo-Addo government has been under intense public scrutiny, with some critics describing it as the worst administration in Ghana’s history. Mr. Karbo, however, contends that such judgments are premature and overlook the long-term impact of policies and interventions implemented during that period.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face, Mr. Karbo said the former President’s legacy should be evaluated over time rather than through the lens of immediate political and economic challenges.
“I think vindication is what will serve Akufo-Addo in the course of time. A lot of the work he did as President over eight years will take time for Ghanaians to fully appreciate,” he said.
He highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, alongside major infrastructure and social interventions across the country, as clear indicators of the administration’s developmental impact.
Using Lawra as an example, Mr. Karbo pointed to significant progress achieved in a relatively short period under the Akufo-Addo government.
“If I take Lawra, for instance, in just four years, the development brought by Akufo-Addo has been remarkable. Lawra was elevated from a district into a municipality. A new TVET facility, a new SHS, a Girls’ SHS, and 149 boreholes addressing water challenges were provided, covering many communities in the first four years,” he stated.
Mr. Karbo concluded that when these interventions are assessed over the long term, they will shape a more balanced and favourable judgment of the Akufo-Addo presidency, beyond the criticisms it continues to attract immediately after his tenure.
