John Agyekum Kufuor says modern youth are better educated than his generation

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has observed that the current generation of youth possesses a superior educational advantage compared to his own. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, the former statesman attributed this shift primarily to the rapid advancement of modern technology, which has expanded access to information and learning tools far beyond what was available in previous decades. He noted that the digital era has created an environment where information is instantaneous, fundamentally changing how young people learn and interact with the world.

Kufuor contrasted the fast-paced digital environment of today with his own educational and professional journey in law and administration. He explained that while his generation followed a much slower and more traditional trajectory, today’s youth have the world at their fingertips. However, he cautioned that this unprecedented speed requires a specific set of navigational skills, suggesting that technological proficiency alone is not enough to ensure effective leadership or meaningful societal contribution.

Central to the former President’s message was the moral obligation of older leaders to provide mentorship. He argued that the older generation carries a distinct responsibility to share their lived experiences to help young people manage the complexities of a rapidly changing world. This philosophy is actively implemented through the John A. Kufuor Foundation, particularly via the Kufuor Scholars Programme. The initiative is designed to nurture patriotic, community-minded leaders by providing them with the mentorship and practical skills training necessary to complement their formal education.

Kufuor’s remarks underscore a vision of societal evolution where each generation builds upon the progress of the last to improve the collective legacy. By combining the technological advantages of the youth with the seasoned wisdom of elder statespeople, he believes Ghana can foster a more capable and grounded leadership class. He remains committed to this cause through his foundation, aiming to leave a legacy of structured guidance for the nation’s future decision-makers.