Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 2024 Vice Presidential candidate, has called for an evidence-based reassessment of Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia's administration. He stated that Ghana's Second Republic should not be romanticised or judged only by the military coup that ended it.
Dr. Prempeh urged evaluation based on its constitutional philosophy, policy choices, development record, and historical conditions. He made these remarks during a keynote address at the 2026 Busia Institute Lecture in London, United Kingdom. The lecture focused on centre-right political thought in Africa, specifically the Ghanaian experience.
This call for reassessment comes as Ghana navigates its economic and political future, often drawing lessons from past administrations. The Busia government, in power from 1969 to 1972, implemented policies aimed at rural development, education, and private enterprise. Understanding its impact provides crucial context for current policy debates on economic growth and social equity.
“Belonging to a tradition does not oblige me to flatter it,” Dr. Prempeh stated, stressing that historical judgment requires evidence, context, and proportion. He acknowledged that some decisions of the Busia administration, such as the 1969 Aliens Compliance Order, remained controversial, describing its human consequences as a “wound.”
The implications of such historical re-evaluations are significant for Ghana's political discourse and future policy-making. They encourage a deeper understanding of past economic and social policies, informing current leaders on effective governance strategies. This approach can help in addressing contemporary challenges like youth unemployment and inequality, ensuring that political traditions evolve beyond mere historical reputation.
Professor Busia's government restored civilian rule, parliament, and fundamental rights after a period of military governance. It sought to translate its political philosophy into practical programmes. These included initiatives in rural development, education, and promoting Ghanaian participation in the economy. The administration also focused on decentralisation and supporting private enterprise.
Dr. Prempeh argued that the military overthrow in January 1972 prevented citizens from assessing the government through elections. This meant the coup could not be considered a legitimate democratic verdict on the administration's performance. He distinguished between a state's legitimate power to regulate immigration and the manner of policy implementation, referring to the Aliens Compliance Order.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Life Patron of the Busia Institute, also spoke at the event. He highlighted that Ghana’s centre-right tradition rests on constitutional government, liberty, and private enterprise. Mr. Kufuor urged political actors to protect institutions like Parliament, the Judiciary, and the media. He noted that Professor Busia's record is often assessed without considering his government was in office for only 27 months.
Dr. Anane Agyei, Executive Director of the Busia Institute, added that political traditions should be assessed by their ideas and institutions. The London event was the first Busia Institute Lecture held outside Ghana. It attracted diplomats, Members of Parliament, and Ghanaian professionals from the diaspora.