John Agyekum Kufuor urges mentorship to prepare youth for leadership

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called for a structured approach to intergenerational mentorship to equip Ghana's youth for leadership in a rapidly changing world. Speaking during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, the former statesman reflected on his 40-year political journey, contrasting the deliberate pace of his own "apprenticeship" with the high-speed technological environment facing today’s younger generation. He emphasized that older generations have a duty to package their experiences and lessons to help youth navigate modern challenges and contribute more effectively to national development.

Kufuor detailed his extensive career path, which began when he qualified as a lawyer at age 22. He recounted his experiences studying at the University of Oxford, working in London’s financial sector, and serving as the city manager for Kumasi at age 27, before entering national politics as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs at age 30. He noted that while he entered politics in his 20s, he did not ascend to the presidency until age 62. These decades of service, which included periods of imprisonment and witnessing military coups, shaped his governance agenda and his commitment to breaking the "culture of silence" that characterized past eras of misrule.

Beyond his personal journey, the former president articulated a vision for a "Ghanaian dream" built on inclusive governance and a thriving private sector. He cautioned current leaders against stifling entrepreneurial initiative with excessive taxation, arguing that the state should instead create a framework that allows individuals to harness their talents for wealth creation. Kufuor emphasized that the country’s natural resources, such as gold and lithium, must be leveraged to fund high-quality education and healthcare while providing a robust safety net to protect the vulnerable from poverty.

Through the John A. Kufuor Foundation and its Kufuor Scholars Program, the former president is actively working to bridge the knowledge gap between generations. He acknowledged that while today’s youth are better educated and more technologically savvy, they often lack the opportunity for the long-term professional grooming he experienced. Kufuor concluded that by combining the wisdom and lessons of the past with the innovations of the present, Ghana can develop a new generation of leaders capable of surpassing the achievements of their predecessors.