The President Ghana Never Got by Manasseh Azure: A Dive into Controversial Chapters

In his latest book, *The President Ghana Never Got,* renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni provides a scathing critique of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration. The book offers an in-depth look into the missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises of a leader who was once seen as the beacon of hope for Ghana. The book spans 400 pages and is packed with eye-opening revelations, some of which have sparked controversy. Below are summaries of some of the most contentious chapters.

Book Cover Art

Chapter Eleven:

Meeting the President's Wife with a Brown Envelope

This chapter delves into a shocking encounter where Manasseh describes meeting with the President’s wife. The details of this meeting raise questions about the inner workings of the administration and the role that certain influential figures may play behind the scenes. The "brown envelope" mentioned hints at the pervasive culture of bribery and corruption that the author alleges has tainted Akufo-Addo's presidency.

Chapter Six:

The Incorruptible Illusion

In this chapter, Manasseh discusses how Akufo-Addo was widely perceived as an incorruptible leader during his campaign. The chapter contrasts this image with the reality of his tenure, highlighting instances where the President failed to tackle corruption effectively, thereby shattering the "incorruptible" image many had of him.

Chapter Nine: 

The Galamsey Betrayal

This chapter is dedicated to the government's failure to address illegal mining, or *galamsey*, which has severely affected Ghana’s environment. Manasseh criticizes the administration for its lack of decisive action, pointing to several broken promises and unfulfilled pledges made by Akufo-Addo to curb this environmental disaster.

Chapter Fourteen: 

The Fall of the Free SHS Promise

Here, the author scrutinizes the flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program. While the initiative was one of Akufo-Addo’s major successes, Manasseh argues that its implementation has been flawed, leading to significant challenges in the education sector. He provides detailed accounts of how the program, though beneficial, has been marred by logistical and financial mismanagement.

Chapter Seventeen: 

The Corruption Watchdog That Barked but Never Bit

This chapter explores the role of anti-corruption agencies during Akufo-Addo’s presidency. Manasseh highlights how these agencies, despite their potential, have been ineffective in curbing corruption. He discusses specific cases where these watchdogs failed to take action against clear instances of misconduct within the government.

Chapter Twenty: 

The President's Inaccessible Silence

In this concluding chapter, Manasseh reflects on his attempts to interview President Akufo-Addo for the book. He describes the difficulties he faced in gaining access to the President, which he interprets as a metaphor for the broader inaccessibility and unresponsiveness of the administration to the needs and concerns of the Ghanaian people.

Conclusion

Manasseh Azure’s "The President Ghana Never Got" is a compelling read that paints a critical picture of Nana Akufo-Addo’s presidency. The controversial chapters highlighted above provide a glimpse into the unfulfilled promises and the deep disillusionment felt by many who once had high hopes for the President. This book is likely to stir debate and discussion among Ghanaians and beyond, as it challenges the narrative of a leader who was once seen as Ghana’s savior. 

This book serves not only as a critique but also as a reflection on the state of Ghanaian politics and the challenges of leadership in the country.