5 most controversial government actions and decisions in 2024

The year 2024 has been one of intense scrutiny for Ghana's political leadership. As the nation prepared for a pivotal election, several government actions and decisions sparked widespread debate, dividing public opinion and dominating the headlines. From policy reversals to contentious administrative moves, these decisions highlighted the complexities of governance while shaping the political narrative. Here’s a recap of the five most controversial actions and decisions that defined Ghana's political discourse in 2024.

1. President Akufo-Addo’s Statue

The statue, situated at the yet-to-be-completed Effia-Nkwanta Roundabout, was unveiled during President Akufo-Addo’s “Thank You Tour” in the region on Wednesday, 6 November 2024. However, the statue sparked nationwide controversy, drawing criticism from various quarters. Many Ghanaians, including the opposition NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, criticised the momument as a self-glorifying move. Mahama described the decision to erect the monument as “shocking,” noting that the President appeared out of touch with the realities facing Ghanaians. However, Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah defended the statue, asserting that it commemorated President Akufo-Addo’s contributions to the region.

2. Four Vacant Seats Controversy

In a dramatic turn within Ghana's hung parliament, Speaker Alban Bagbin declared four seats vacant on Thursday, 17 October, following a petition from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) minority caucus. This decision affected the balance of power in the house, giving the NDC a majority with 136 Members of Parliament, while the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) held 135 seats. The Speaker’s decision was based on his interpretation of Article 97(1)(g) of the Constitution. The four vacant seats were Cynthia Morrison, NPP MP for Agona West (Central Region), Kwadwo Asante, NPP MP for Suhum (Eastern Region), Andrew Amoako Asiamah, MP for Fomena (Ashanti Region), and Peter Kwakye-Ackah, NDC MP for Amenfi Central.

3. Closure of Land Borders for 2024 Election

With less than 24 hours until Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections, the Ministry of Interior announced a temporary closure of all land borders. In a brief statement on Thursday, 6 December, the sector Minister, Henry Quartey, indicated that the measure was intended to safeguard the integrity of the December 7 election. The directive took immediate effect from Friday, 6 December 2024, and remained in place until 6:00 pm on Sunday, 8 December 2024. The decision was criticised by some stakeholders, including the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and Franklin Cudjoe of IMANI Africa.

4. Arrest and Prosecution of 53 Democracy Hub Protestors

One of the most controversial government decisions of the year was the arrest of the #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse protesters. The protests that led to their arrests took place on 21 and 22 September 2024 at the 37 Intersection in Accra. Organised by the Democracy Hub, the demonstration aimed to spotlight the ongoing illegal mining crisis, commonly referred to as galamsey, as well as alleged economic mismanagement by the government. The protestors faced serious charges, including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to a breach of the peace, and assault on a public officer. The move was heavily criticised, sparking another protest for their release.

5. Nomination of Five More Justices to the Supreme Court

In a controversial letter dated 30 May, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo formally requested that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo nominate five judges to the Supreme Court of Ghana. The nominees included Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botchwey, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah. However, the request was described by many as unconstitutional, sparking legal debates among the public.

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