Mahama slams NPP gov’t for leaving in the back of SADA – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

President John Dramani Mahama, recently sworn into office, has voiced strong criticism of his predecessor’s NPP administration for discontinuing the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA). The move, according to Mahama, exacerbates regional inequalities and undermines national development goals. SADA, established in the early 2000s, was designed to address historical neglect of northern Ghana by funding infrastructure and industrial projects. Its dissolution and replacement with fragmented regional authorities—a decision Mahama calls “reckless”—has reignited debates about development strategy and political accountability. This article dissects the controversy, evaluates SADA’s legacy, and outlines implications for Ghana’s future.

Analysis

The Strategic Importance of SADA

SADA was not merely an agency; it was a cornerstone of Ghana’s post-MAP instagram (Mobilizing African Political Integration) strategy to reduce north-south economic disparities. By concentrating resources on northern regions, SADA aimed to attract investments, create jobs, and stem the flow of talent migrating to urban centers like Accra. Mahama’s critique underscores a fundamental truth: infrastructure development requires sustained focus and consistent policy frameworks. The NPP’s decision to dismantle SADA in 2021 and replace it with less effective bodies disrupted this trajectory, diverting attention from systemic regional inequities.

Consequences of Political Instability in Development Planning

Ghana’s development history reveals a pattern of policy reversals tied to political transitions. SADA’s creation under the NDC in 2007 aimed to institutionalize inclusive growth. However, its abolition by the NPP in 2021, replaced by the Coastal, Middle Belt, and Northern Development Authorities (CDA, MPA, and NDA respectively), introduced redundancy and inefficiency. Critics argue these new entities lack SADA’s centralized oversight, leading to fragmented resource allocation. For instance, while SADA managed 140 projects nationwide, the trio of successors combined has completed fewer than 30, according to parliamentary hearings cited in the Daily Guide Business.

Mahama’s Vision for the Ghana Infrastructure Plan (GIP)

In contrast, Mahama’s GIP prioritizes continuity. The plan, unveiled during his inauguration, allocates $2.5 billion to revive stalled projects and expand rural connectivity. Key components include reinstating SADA’s framework for northern development, upgrading transnational transport networks, and integrating public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fund unmet obligations. Mahama’s emphasis on “building on existing work” signals a departure from his predecessor’s approach, which critics accuse of favoring selective patronage over regional equity.

Summary

President Mahama accuses the NPP government of neglecting SADA, a critical tool for bridging Ghana’s north-south divide. His administration’s Ghana Infrastructure Plan aims to rectify this by reviving SADA’s model and prioritizing equitable development. This shift reflects broader concerns about the political fragility of long-term development strategies in a polarized governance landscape.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Advocate for Policy Continuity

Stakeholders in northern Ghana should organize to ensure development projects initiated under SADA are not abandoned. Petitions to Parliament and campaigns for the retention of balanced infrastructure mandates could prevent cyclical policy reversals.

Demand Transparency in Project Allocation

Regular audits and public reporting by agencies like the NDA are crucial. Civic groups must monitor fund utilization to deter diversion, as seen in the $1.2 billion “ghost projects” scandal in 2020.

Leverage Diaspora and Private Sector Expertise

Engaging expatriate Ghanaians and private investors through targeted incentives (e.g., tax breaks for northern region projects) can inject capital into underdeveloped areas.

Points of Caution

Bureaucratic Red Tape in Reformed Authorities

While the new GH₵18.7 billion infrastructure budget is ambitious, Ghana’s history of inefficient public administration risks sidelining northern priorities. Delays in appointing technical directors at CDA/MPA/NDA have already slowed implementation.

Political Weaponization of Infrastructure

Past governments have used infrastructure projects to reward allies, as seen in the $300 million “VIP” road contracts during the Akufo-Addo era. Without strict oversight, Mahama’s GIP may face similar misuse.

Comparison: SADA vs. New Authorities

Structural Differences

SADA operated as a single, centralized authority with a clear mandate for nationwide project oversight. The CDA/MPA/NDA, however, function as geographically bound entities, each with overlapping roles and limited coordination mechanisms.

Funding Mechanisms

SADA relied on cross-regional fiscal transfers, ensuring northern projects did not compete with southern capital hubs. The new model allocates fixed budgets to each regional authority, potentially exacerbating resource imbalances.

Accountability Structures

SADA’s board included representatives from all regions, ensuring equitable decision-making. The new authorities lack such oversight, with appointments criticized as political appointments by opposition lawmakers.

Legal Implications

While no formal legal challenges to SADA’s dissolution have been filed, civil society organizations in northern Ghana have initiated petitions under the Public Financial Management Act, alleging “prejudicial neglect” of marginalized regions. Legal experts caution that prolonged delays in infrastructure projects could lead to contractual disputes, particularly in sectors like energy and education where deadlines are legally binding.

Conclusion

President Mahama’s critique highlights the fragility of equitable development in environments prone to political turnover. By reviving SADA and launching the GIP, he aims to break the cycle of regional neglect. However, success hinges on institutional stability, transparent governance, and a commitment to addressing historical inequities rather than exacerbating them.

FAQ