The new government scores high on political tolerance but is
struggling over how to tackle the economic mess it inherited
No one can blame President John Agyekum Kufuor for the economic chaos he inherited on 7 January, when he took over from Jerry John Rawlings. However, plenty of Ghanaians blame his government for its slow start. In the first hundred days, he has won high marks for handling the transition and making government more tolerant, low marks for dynamism and economic management. There still is much goodwill towards the President and his New Patriotic Party. He confidently fielded questions when national television broadcast a press conference live from the Castle at Osu - something Rawlings never allowed during his 20-year rule. Journalists are no longer 'enemies of the people'. Kufuor came over as presidential but accessible, in an inquisition managed by his spokesperson, Elizabeth Ohene; she and Attorney General Nana Akufo-Addo want the obnoxious criminal libel laws abrogated this year. Since the NPP is the party of business, it is obviously much warmer towards local entrepreneurs of all political hues. A leading businessman, Kwabena Darko, was in Kufuor's office throughout the press conference.
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