Acheampong’s family calls for revival of his policies to tackle youth unemployment

The chief and immediate family of the late former Head of State, General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, have appealed to the government to safeguard, revisit and integrate the late military leader’s legacy into contemporary national development strategies, particularly in addressing youth unemployment and economic dependency.

Speaking in his hometown of Atwima Hwidiem in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region, the Chief of the town, Nana Boadi Ababio, who organised a commemorative gathering to mark what would have been the 95th birthday of the former Ghanaian leader, lamented that the nation had failed to build on some of the policies introduced during General Acheampong’s administration.

“It is disturbing to note that if successive governments had sustained the development policies introduced by General Acheampong, our youth today would not be struggling for non-existent jobs,” Nana Boadi said.

He called on the authorities to ensure that General Acheampong’s contributions to the country are preserved and studied for their potential relevance to national development.

The family and traditional authorities gathered to commemorate the 95th posthumous birthday of the late Head of State, who was born on September 23, 1931, and governed Ghana from January 13, 1972, until July 5, 1978, when he was deposed in a palace coup. He was subsequently executed on June 16, 1979.

Highlighting his historical milestones, Nana Boadi noted that General Acheampong enlisted in the Gold Coast Frontier Force as a recruit in 1951 before rising through the ranks of the Ghana Armed Forces.

He later led the country under the National Redemption Council (NRC), which was subsequently transformed into the Supreme Military Council (SMC).

Recalling the impact of his administration, Nana Boadi highlighted several policies and initiatives associated with the Acheampong era and argued that elements of such homegrown approaches could help address some of Ghana’s current socio-economic challenges.

Operation Feed Yourself (1972): Launched to promote agricultural self-reliance, reduce food imports and improve national food security. The initiative contributed to increased local production of staples such as rice and maize.

Economic self-reliance and national resource control: His administration promoted greater local participation in the ownership of foreign-owned mining and timber companies and challenged some foreign debt arrangements.

Infrastructure and social housing: The administration initiated housing projects across the country, including the Dansoman Estate in Accra and other regional housing schemes.

Health and education expansion: Regional hospitals were constructed, while educational infrastructure was expanded, including facilities for technical and vocational training.

Operation Keep Right: Ghana’s traffic system was changed from driving on the left to driving on the right on August 4, 1974.

Restoring national dignity: The administration permitted the repatriation and state burial of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who died in exile in 1972.

The family concluded by reiterating its call for a review of General Acheampong’s policies in areas such as agriculture, housing and resource management as part of efforts to build economic resilience.

The commemoration was attended by immediate family members, including Pastor Alfred Owusu Ansah, Head of the Family; Stephen Adjei Acheampong, nephew; Richard Acheampong; Kwabena Owusu Acheampong; Theresah Acheampong; Yaw Acheampong; Faustina Acheampong; and Rose Acheampong.