Bawumia pays tribute to Kufuor and Akufo-Addo's legacies ahead of NPP congress

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has paid tribute to the legacies of former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, singling out their signature social intervention programmes as enduring contributions to Ghana's development. The remarks underscore the governing New Patriotic Party's emphasis on continuity as it navigates a critical period in the nation's political calendar.

Speaking on the party's historical trajectory, Bawumia highlighted three flagship initiatives that have shaped public life in Ghana over the past two decades: the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the School Feeding Programme, and Free Senior High School (SHS) education. These policies, he noted, remain touchstones of the NPP's commitment to social welfare, even as their implementation and sustainability have become subjects of ongoing national debate.

The programmes shaping Ghana's social landscape

The NHIS, launched under the Kufuor administration, fundamentally altered healthcare access for millions of Ghanaians by providing insurance coverage to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure at point of service. Though the scheme has faced operational challenges in recent years—including financial strain and pharmaceutical supply issues—it remains a cornerstone of Ghana's healthcare infrastructure.

The School Feeding Programme expanded significantly under Akufo-Addo's tenure, reaching hundreds of thousands of pupils across public primary and junior high schools. Beyond nutrition, the initiative aimed to improve school attendance and learning outcomes, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Free SHS, perhaps the most transformative of the three, removed cost barriers to secondary education when introduced in 2017. The policy dramatically increased enrolment across Ghana's second-cycle institutions, though questions about quality, infrastructure capacity, and long-term financing persist.

Why it matters for Ghana

Bawumia's invocation of these programmes carries political weight as the NPP positions itself for electoral competition and internal party renewal. By anchoring the party's identity to concrete social achievements rather than political rhetoric, the Vice President attempts to build a narrative of measurable progress that resonates with voters—particularly those who have benefited directly from these schemes.

The reference also signals continuity within the NPP, even as the party transitions its leadership. For ordinary Ghanaians, these programmes represent tangible government action on healthcare, education, and child nutrition—issues that consistently rank high in public concerns. Whether implemented perfectly or imperfectly, they symbolise the state's attempt to redistribute resources toward vulnerable populations.

However, the tribute also masks ongoing implementation gaps. Healthcare workers have reported chronic shortages of essential medicines under the NHIS; school feeding programmes face irregular funding and logistical obstacles; and Free SHS has struggled with adequate infrastructure and qualified teaching staff. Acknowledging these legacies is important; so too is honest assessment of where delivery has fallen short.

Looking forward

As Ghana approaches political transitions, Bawumia's remarks reflect the NPP's strategy of appealing to voters on the basis of social investment and institutional reform. Whether these legacies—in their current state—can sustain political support will depend largely on tangible improvements in service delivery and the party's ability to address the structural challenges that have limited their impact.