Arthur Kennedy: “Akufo-Addo Was An Excellent Politician, But A Bad President”

Dr. Kobina Arthur Kennedy, a former presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has delivered a blunt assessment of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, describing him as an excellent politician who campaigned effectively but failed in his role as president.

Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday October 10, 2026, Arthur Kennedy acknowledged Akufo-Addo’s political skills and ability to connect with voters during election campaigns.

However, he drew a clear distinction between the former president’s strengths as a politician and his performance as the head of government, arguing that success in winning elections does not necessarily translate into effective leadership of a country.

In his assessment, Akufo-Addo demonstrated considerable political talent, particularly in the way he presented his message to the electorate and mobilized support for the NPP.

Despite these strengths, Kennedy expressed dissatisfaction with his administration’s overall performance, maintaining that the former president did not meet the standards expected of someone entrusted with governing the nation.

“Akuffo-Addo was an excellent politician. He campaigned very well. But he was a bad president,” Arthur Kennedy stated. The comment reflects a critical evaluation of Akufo-Addo’s political legacy, separating his ability to win public support from his record in government.

Kennedy’s remarks suggest that while the former president possessed the communication skills and political strategy required to secure electoral victories, those qualities were not sufficient to guarantee a successful presidency.

Akufo-Addo, who served as Ghana’s president from January 2017 to January 2025, led the NPP through two election victories. His administration introduced several flagship policies, including the Free Senior

High School programme, while also facing criticism over economic difficulties, rising public debt, inflation and the country’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. Kennedy’s assessment adds to the ongoing debate about the achievements and shortcomings of the former president’s eight-year tenure.

His comments also raise broader questions about the qualities voters should prioritize when choosing political leaders, particularly the difference between campaigning effectively and delivering on promises after assuming office.

For the NPP, such criticism from a former presidential aspirant within its own ranks could contribute to discussions about accountability, leadership and the lessons the party must learn from its time in government.

Ultimately, Arthur Kennedy’s statement presents a clear argument: political brilliance during an election campaign should not automatically be equated with effective presidential leadership. In his view, Akufo-Addo’s campaigning abilities were impressive, but his performance as president fell short of expectations.