Award-winning journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has shared a scathing critique of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, addressing the aftermath of his presidency and the reactions of Ghanaians to his leadership.
In a recent piece posted on his social media platform, Manasseh highlighted what he sees as the diminishing legacy of Akufo-Addo, drawing attention to public sentiment and symbolic acts that reflect widespread disapproval.
Manasseh began by recounting a tribute in Parliament, which he described as “inglorious,” delivered while the late president’s casket—and metaphorically, his ears—remained open. He also referenced the dramatic toppling of a statue erected in Akufo-Addo’s honor in Takoradi, likening it to the fall of tyrants, and noted the growing narrative within Akufo-Addo’s political party that his successor is bearing the consequences of his actions in office.
The journalist further reflected on his own 2019 article titled “If Akufo-Addo Had Died in 2016,” in which he argued that the president’s pre-presidency reputation would have secured him a celebrated place in Ghana’s history. According to Manasseh, the former president’s tenure tarnished that reputation, a perspective he says was dismissed at the time by loyalists as mere bitterness.
Manasseh’s latest commentary underscores what he sees as a shift in public opinion, stating that the reactions outside of power represent “unedited and uncensored tributes” from Ghanaians. He criticized the hypocrisy of those who previously sang praises to curry favour, noting their sudden silence and withdrawal.
He also referenced the symbolic fall of Akufo-Addo’s statue in Takoradi, suggesting that it reflects broader disillusionment with his governance. Manasseh remarked that the former president, who once wielded power to order investigations, arrests, and prosecutions, now finds himself powerless in the face of public criticism.
Manasseh ended his post with a cautionary note for those in power, likening political authority to an orgasm—momentarily elevating one to the pinnacle of influence, but ultimately fleeting.
The journalist’s remarks have sparked widespread debate online, with supporters and critics of Akufo-Addo weighing in on the legacy of the former president.
For context, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo served as Ghana’s president from January 2017 to January 2025. While celebrated for initiatives such as the Free Senior High School program, his administration faced criticism for issues including economic challenges and perceived corruption. Manasseh Azure Awuni is widely known for his fearless journalism and has been vocal about governance and accountability in Ghana.
