In governance, the imperative of accountability and transparency drives action. Under the leadership of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP government initiated a performance tracker, illustrating the government’s strides across various sectors nationwide.
As trumpeted by the government’s communication machinery, the recently unveiled Performance Tracker is a tool purposely designed to provide transparency regarding government’s achievements across critical sectors such as Health, Energy, and Education.
However, a closer examination reveals the stark contrast between the Tracker’s claims and the real experiences of ordinary Ghanaians, painting a sobering picture of reality beyond the numbers.
Education Sector: Promises Unfulfilled
The Performance Tracker highlights the NPP government’s strides in education, including the implementation of Free SHS and investments in infrastructure. According to the tracker, the government has improved education through the introduction of Free SHS, STEM education- which saw the construction of four STEM schools, and an investment into 526 basic schools nationwide.
Despite efforts and claimed achievements in the education sector, a 2023 report by the Ghana Education Service (GES) reveals a persistent challenge- schools under trees.
Before the NPP formed a government in 2017, the number of schools under trees at the basic level stood at 2,510. Shockingly, the latest data indicates that the number has only marginally decreased, with an estimated 2,417 schools still operating under trees across the country.
The existence of schools under trees despite the supposed ‘excellent’ job done by the government in the sector underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts to improve educational infrastructure across the country.
Moreover, the persistent existence of over 2,400 schools under trees highlights the sector’s deep-rooted challenges.
In all these, failed promises are major contributory factors behind the high numbers of schools still under trees. For instance, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo prior to the general elections in 2016, promised to build 350 Senior High Schools (SHS) in his first 18 months in government. Up to now, he is yet to build a single SHS.
Moreover, while the provision of 9.5 million textbooks is laudable, it falls short of meeting the needs of over 4.73 million pupils, leading to disruptions in teaching and learning.
Delays in textbook distribution have exacerbated the situation, triggering strikes and further hindering educational progress. The reality on the ground reveals a fragmented education system grappling with fundamental inadequacies, far from the rosy picture painted by the Performance Tracker.
Energy Sector: Shadows of Shortcomings
According to the Tracker, the government has improved the country’s electricity access rate by 5.51%, an increase from 83.24% in 2016 to 88.75% in 2022 and thereby adding more Ghanaians to the electricity grid.
Though, this is a commendable feat for any government, the Tracker fails to acknowledge the underlying issue of inadequate power generation capacity.
Despite adding millions to the electricity grid, the actual availability of power remains insufficient, plunging many Ghanaians into darkness and economic uncertainty.
The disparity between installed capacity and actual availability underscores a systemic failure in addressing critical infrastructure challenges in the energy sector.
Health Sector: Dreams Deferred
Agenda 111, a flagship initiative in the health sector, remains largely aspirational, with no completed hospitals to date.
While the government celebrates the construction of 103 health facilities, the lack of essential resources and personnel renders them ineffective in addressing the healthcare needs of citizens.
The lack of infrastructure in the health sector persists even as the government in the last seven years has constructed hospitals, CHPS Compounds, and Polyclinics, as indicated by the tracker.
Moreover, the resurgence of the ‘cash and carry’ system further exacerbates the strain on an already fragile healthcare system, exposing vulnerable Ghanaians to financial burdens and compromising access to essential services.
A Call for Accountability
While the Performance Tracker serves as a glossy veneer of governmental accomplishments, it fails to capture the harsh realities faced by ordinary Ghanaians.
The education sector grapples with inadequate infrastructure and learning materials, the energy sector struggles with power shortages leading to frequent power outages popularly called ‘dumsor’. Moreover, the health sector remains burdened by insufficient resources and personnel.
The Tracker’s narrative of success contrasts sharply with the actual experiences of citizens, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive and honest assessment of governmental performance.
It is imperative for citizens to look beyond the numbers and demand accountability from their government. True progress cannot be measured solely in statistics but must be felt in the tangible improvements in the quality of life for all.
As Ghana approaches its next election cycle, the onus is on both government officials and citizens alike to confront the harsh realities facing the nation.
Only through honest dialogue, meaningful reforms, and a commitment to inclusive governance can Ghana chart a path towards sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Moreover, it is imperative for the government to address the systemic challenges plaguing critical sectors and prioritize the well-being of its citizens over political optics. Only then can Ghana truly embark on a path of sustainable development and inclusive prosperity.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Delegation Takes Center Stage at IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings
