The former President described the rumours as misleading and unfair, insisting he never plotted against Akufo-Addo nor encouraged Alan’s campaign.

“I never supported him against anybody,” Mr Kufuor stressed. “I didn’t give him anything to aid him go and defeat anybody.”

Mr Kufuor noted that the narrative has survived for years despite having no factual basis.

He added that, contrary to claims that he favoured Alan, he had always maintained neutrality in internal party contests.

Recalling events after the NPP’s victory in 2000, he disclosed that he even attempted to bring Alan into his government, but Alan declined.

“When I contacted him to make him a Minister, he turned down the offer,” Kufuor disclosed.

The clarification comes at a time when internal debates within the NPP have resurfaced following the party’s defeat in the 2024 elections.

In a recent interview on The Delay Show, the former President criticised the Akufo-Addo administration for policy failures that, in his view, contributed significantly to the loss.

He cited the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, the PDS controversy and the National Cathedral project as major blowbacks that eroded public trust.

Mr. Kufuor further stated that while the Akufo-Addo government initially started well, decisions taken after the COVID-19 pandemic raised serious concerns among the electorate.

These issues, he said, marked a sharp departure from the momentum built in 2016 when the party campaigned heavily on the successes of his own administration. That foundation, he argued, provided the NPP with credibility and voter confidence at the time.

Alan Kyerematen rejected my offer to serve as minister in 2000…

I was not consulted on National Cathedral project – Kufuor reveals

The former President made the disclosure while refuting long-standing claims that he supported Alan against Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the party’s 2008 presidential primaries.

According to him, the allegations have persisted for years despite having no basis.

“Even when we won power in the 2000 general elections, and I contacted him that I wanted to make him a Minister, he declined,” Mr Kufuor said.

Explaining further, Mr Kufuor stressed that his attempt to include Alan in his cabinet at the time was out of recognition for his competence and commitment to the party, not an effort to groom him for future leadership battles.

He insisted that the rejection of the ministerial offer demonstrated that Alan was not being positioned for advantage within the party, contrary to speculation. “No, no. I never supported him against anybody,” he continued. “I didn’t give him any support to aid him go and defeat anybody. It will never happen.”

The former President’s comments come amid a resurgence of old rumours linking him to Alan’s 2008 flagbearer bid. For years, sections of the public and political observers have claimed that Mr Kufuor favoured Alan as his preferred successor, an assertion he has repeatedly dismissed.

He maintained that he remained neutral and allowed the internal democratic process to play out without interference.

Mr Kufuor’s clarification also ties into his recent reflections on the NPP’s electoral fortunes, particularly the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.

The former President argued that policy missteps by the Akufo-Addo administration, such as the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, the PDS debacle and the National Cathedral project, contributed significantly to voter dissatisfaction.

He warned political leaders to take public sentiment seriously and avoid taking Ghanaians for granted.

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Speaking on The Delay Show, Kufuor said he could not comprehend the reasoning behind key government decisions such as the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), the National Cathedral project, and the Power Distribution Services (PDS) deal. He added that he was never consulted on any of these major policies.

According to him, the NPP’s victory in 2016 was largely built on the legacy of his own administration.

“Before the 2016 election in which Akufo-Addo was elected, the campaign was built on my achievements,” he said. “Those achievements played a key role in his victory. The government started well, but things changed after he assumed power.”

Kufuor explained that the government’s direction, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, left him troubled.

“After the COVID-19 pandemic, I could not understand some of the decisions taken, including the bond market issues, PDS and the National Cathedral project, which has still not been completed,” he added.

He expressed deep concern about the handling of the National Cathedral, lamenting the demolition of state properties—including residential apartments for judges and other government officials—to pave the way for a project that remains unfinished.

“I was not consulted, as I did not attend cabinet meetings. I only saw the construction. Apartments that housed judges and others were demolished for the National Cathedral, yet it remains unfinished,” he said.

Looking back at the NPP’s electoral performance, Kufuor highlighted the party’s sharp decline over the last three election cycles.

“We won the 2016 elections by a landslide. The 2020 elections were tense and produced a hung Parliament, and the 2024 elections were something else entirely,” he said.

“This shows that the Ghanaian electorate should never be taken for granted. It is a lesson for politicians to be mindful of their actions.”

Speaking at the Broadcasting at the Crossroads forum hosted by the Africa Media Bureau in Accra on Friday, September 26, Kufuor emphasized the urgent need for Africans to tell their own stories—capturing the continent’s identity, challenges, and opportunities.

He proposed Accra as the hub for such an initiative, envisioning a platform that connects Africans across linguistic and regional divides while promoting cultural exchange and continental integration.

“If professional media people could establish a powerful agency, say here in Accra—very African—to tell African stories, whether political, economic, social, entertainment, or trade-related, I tell you, before long the African in Nigeria, Nairobi, or South Africa—we would do better,” he said.

Kufuor lamented Africa’s dependence on external media narratives, arguing that these distort the continent’s image and undermine its identity.

He also pointed to colonial-era divisions, such as language barriers, and Africa’s limited control over digital platforms as obstacles to unity and self-definition.

“Poor Africa so far has tended to be defined from outside. We are seeking our identity,” he said.

“We still are locked into the blinkers of colonialism, Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone—we do not know ourselves.”

Source: Adomonline

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He emphasized that the party’s track record under his administration, as well as that of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, provides a solid foundation for a political comeback.

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly constructed Bantama Constituency office of the NPP on Friday, September 19, Akufo-Addo said the achievements of both administrations would serve as the basis for victory.

“The work the NPP did during my time and during former President Kufuor’s time is enormous, and it is that legacy we will build on to win back power in 2028,” he stated.

He also voiced concerns about the current state of the nation under the Mahama-led administration, urging party members to remain united and focused.

“When we unite and do things right, I know that, with God’s help, we will reclaim power in 2028,” Akufo-Addo added.

Source: Adomonline

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Recalling the incident during an official visit to Libya, President Kufuor described the tense moments while travelling with an entourage of 12 to 16 people from Tripoli to Khartoum, Sudan’s capital.

“I remember that sometime in 2007, had it not been for God’s intervention, I would have been involved in a plane crash over the Sahara Desert,” he revealed during an interview on Angel TV.

The former president recounted how the aircraft, which had just taken off after his meeting with the late Muammar Gaddafi, suddenly struggled to gain altitude.

“All of a sudden, over the desert, the plane could not ascend. It had become heavy, and for almost 30 minutes, it refused to gain altitude. When you looked down, all you could see was the desert. Eeeii! What was about to happen to us here?” he reflected.

Adding to the anxiety was the lack of communication from the flight crew.

“The pilot remained silent, not communicating anything to us,” Kufuor remarked, highlighting the unsettling atmosphere on board.

As passengers grew increasingly uneasy, they noticed the flight attendants hastily moving luggage towards their seats, further intensifying fears.

“The plane managed to manoeuvre and made a turn to align over the Mediterranean Sea, although it was still struggling to fly at a higher altitude for nearly an hour before we finally landed in Tripoli,” Kufuor explained.

Upon landing, the sight of emergency fire tenders and security vehicles racing across the tarmac confirmed the gravity of the situation.

“As we were landing, we noticed fire tenders and security vehicles speeding across the airport tarmac. That was when the pilot confirmed that the plane couldn’t fly any higher, so he had to return to Tripoli,” he said, reflecting on the chaos and concern surrounding their arrival.

The former president candidly acknowledged the risks associated with diplomatic travel, stating, “I have witnessed something like this before.”

Following the incident, the delegation had to spend the night in Tripoli while arrangements were made for a new aircraft to continue their journey to Sudan.

In the wake of the recent helicopter tragedy, Kufuor’s recounting serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those in public service.

The risks associated with air travel, especially during official duties, can be daunting.

His experience underscores the importance of safety protocols and communication during flights.

As the nation mourns the loss of lives in the recent helicopter crash, Kufuor’s story resonates with many who understand that the skies can be unpredictable and every journey carries its own set of challenges.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

In a statement released after the incident, the former President said he shares in the nation’s sorrow and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims who perished while serving the nation.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and colleagues of all those who perished in this tragic incident,” he said.

He urged the nation to honour the memory of the departed through renewed compassion, solidarity, and a deepened commitment to national service.

“May God comfort the entire nation, especially the bereaved families, the President of the Republic, and all Ghanaians,” he added.

The crash, which claimed the lives of key government officials and military officers, has been widely described as a national tragedy. In honour of the victims, flags are flying at half-mast across the country as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.

The bodies of the deceased have been recovered and are undergoing forensic examination and identification.

The confirmed list of casualties includes:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence

• Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – MP for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation

• Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress (NDC)

• Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Ghana Air Force

• Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – Ghana Air Force

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Ghana Air Force

The list was verified by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who described the loss as one of the most painful in the country’s recent history.

Source: Adomonline

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Mr. Osei-Owusu, popularly known as Joe Wise, who also chairs the Conference Planning Committee, addressed the issue in an interview with JoyNews on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

His comments come in response to concerns raised by the 86-year-old former President, who expressed disappointment at being excluded from key party activities, saying his age should not warrant marginalisation.

He said every issue requiring the former President’s input was communicated to his designated officers.

He further explained that President Kufuor’s request for a postponement of the conference could not be granted because preparations were already far advanced.

“The suggestion that he was ignored is inaccurate. The party respects President Kufuor immensely, but the conference arrangements were far too progressed when his request came in,” he stated.

The NPP’s National Delegates Conference is currently underway at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Source: Ernest K. Arhinful

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In a frank reflection, the statesman lamented the growing tendency to push aside senior figures like himself, despite their sacrifices and enduring contributions to the party’s legacy.

“Have I declined to the point where I can be dismissed, overlooked? My faculties are intact. I’m no relic. I deserve at least to be consulted,” Kufuor said during a recent interaction with Abetifi MP and NPP flagbearer aspirant, Dr Bryan Acheampong.

He recounted his decades-long political journey, beginning as a 30-year-old Member of Parliament in 1969 and later serving as Deputy Minister under Prime Minister K.A. Busia. His political career was not without cost.

“I was in Ussher Fort prison for one year, three months. How many of today’s leaders can say they’ve paid such a price?” he asked, referring to his imprisonment following the 1972 coup that toppled the Progress Party government.

Kufuor’s leadership brought the NPP to power in 2000, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic history. Yet, two decades later, the man many regard as a cornerstone of the party’s modern success says he feels marginalised.

“If there are elders in this party, I am surely one,” he declared, stressing that age must not become an excuse for sidelining wisdom and experience.

Sources close to the former President revealed that he has formally petitioned the party leadership over concerns about internal decision-making processes and the handling of transitions within the NPP. His petition has triggered an emergency National Council meeting scheduled for Monday, 14th July.

Kufuor’s remarks have sent ripples through the party, sparking debate over generational leadership, respect for elders, and the importance of preserving institutional memory.

Political analysts say the former President’s intervention could force the NPP into a moment of reckoning, not just about leadership succession, but also about how the party treats its founding figures and senior statesmen.

For Kufuor, the message is clear: contribution, sacrifice, and wisdom do not fade with age, and no one who has paid the price he has should be ignored.

While it is unclear what specifically triggered the former President’s comments, information reaching Myjoyonline indicates that he may not be available for the 19th July National Delegates Conference—an event that has already drawn criticism from some sections of the party.

It remains to be seen whether Mr Kufuor’s concerns will compel the leadership to reconsider the scheduled conference or proceed regardless.

Source: Myjoyonline

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The visit forms part of Dr. Acheampong’s consultations with key figures of the NPP as he prepares to officially launch his campaign.

During the meeting, he expressed his appreciation for the former president’s contribution to the party, the nation and acknowledged his enduring legacy as a leader.

Bryan Acheampong, who has served in various strategic roles under the former Akufo-Addo government, reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to the NPP and stated that he believes the time is right to lead the party.

He cited his years of public service and contributions to party development as a solid foundation for the responsibility he now seeks to undertake.

He explained that his decision to contest is motivated by a desire to offer pragmatic leadership and restore confidence among the party’s grassroots base.

Source: Adomonline.com

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Watch the video below:

Mr. Archer, whose journalism career spans decades, gained prominence for his exposés on corruption involving appointees of the Kufuor administration.

Kufuor served as Ghana’s president from January 7, 2001, to January 7, 2009.

In an interview on Channel One TV, the former editor of the Enquirer newspaper explained that his investigative work was rooted in professionalism and his dedication to ensuring accountability in governance.

“If you ask me, I personally didn’t have anything against Kufuor as a president or former president Kufuor… It’s just the way I think; when I have a big story, I enjoy it. Maybe in the process, you may make mistakes, but I can always tell you if a story was not worth it, I never wasted my time on it,” he said.

When asked whether he regretted his investigative pieces on the Kufuor administration, Archer confidently replied, “Nothing really comes to mind.”

Raymond Archer is also part of the five-member team spearheading the National Democratic Congress’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).

The initiative is a comprehensive strategy aimed at tackling systemic corruption and financial impropriety.

ORAL focuses on recovering misappropriated funds and resources, with the goal of strengthening governance, restoring public trust in state institutions, and creating fiscal space for national development.

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He appealed to the youth to make a wise choice by supporting Dr. Bawumia, stressing that his leadership promises to create opportunities that will positively impact their future.

Mr. Kufuor also called on party members to forgive one another and unite in support of Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy.

He stressed the need for a leader who understands the transformative power of digitalization, which he believes could revolutionize Ghana’s economy and development.

Speaking at the party’s final rally at the University of Ghana Sports Park on December 5, Kufuor said, “The future is in your hands, you have to make the right decision to choose your leader. So, on Saturday, vote for Dr. Bawumia and you will see how Ghana will progress.”

He added, “It’s only the NPP that can move Ghana forward. Across the country, we are the preferred party because, in the opportunities we’ve had, we’ve followed the principles taught by our forefathers.”

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Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on Monday, November 25, Mr. Owusu-Agyeman addressed what he described as disrespectful remarks by Mr. Kyerematen.

The controversy follows Mr. Kyerematen’s criticism of Kufuor’s endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 general elections.

In his criticism, Mr. Kyerematen questioned how long former President Kufuor had known Dr. Bawumia to be supporting him. He also stated that as a statesman, it was inappropriate for Mr. Kufuor to take sides ahead of the polls.

This remark has sparked considerable debate, leading to Mr. Owusu-Agyeman’s intervention.

Mr. Owusu-Agyeman firmly rebuked Mr. Kyerematen, highlighting the significant contributions former President Kufuor has made to Kyerematen’s political career.

He emphasized that Kufuor’s support for Bawumia should not be a point of contention, especially from someone who has benefited immensely from the former president’s leadership and mentorship.

Mr. Owusu-Agyeman stressed that Mr. Kyerematen’s criticism of Kufuor was both unwarranted and rude.

“What President Kufuor has done for Mr. Kyerematen, I don’t think he has done for anybody in this party. I don’t think Mr. Kyerematen can say that 70% of what President Kufuor had to do came from him. Where was he? I can tell you that as Foreign Minister, he was my ambassador to Washington, and one of the biggest things we did was HIPC. When we were making that decision, the people who were there were President Kufuor, J.H. Mensah, Osafo Marfo, Baros Amos, and myself, along with Ambassador Boris Chalker of the UK. It was President Kufuor who decided that we should go for it, and it yielded results.

“And so if you sit in Washington and say that you gave the idea, I don’t get it. When I came back from the UN, I did nothing but work for the party. The Constitution was written in my house, and our first manifesto was written in my house. So I did nothing but work for the party.”

“For example, I thought I had the capacity to be the flagbearer for the party, but I don’t have the capacity now because what was needed at the time is different from this digital age with AI and all. So if, at that time, President Kufuor thought that Mr. Kyerematen was the person for the moment and then moved on after 20 years, believing that this is the time to move forward, then it is somebody else’s time to do it. But to ask what Bawumia has done is the height of impunity, and it was rude,” he stated.

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According to the group, Dela Edem’s remarks suggested that the former President’s confinement to a wheelchair was a result of “evil deeds” he committed during his tenure—a statement the group described as “deeply hurtful, malicious, and devoid of basic human decency.”

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, November 18, 2024, the group’s spokesperson, Nana Agyenim Boateng, popularly known as “Gyataba,” demanded an immediate retraction and an unqualified apology from Dela Edem.

He warned that the group would take further action if the apology was not rendered within 24 hours.

“This is an attack on the dignity of one of Ghana’s revered statesmen. We will not sit idly by while such baseless and offensive comments are made against former President Kufuor,” Gyataba stated.

He also criticized the NDC leadership, including former President John Mahama, for their silence on the matter. “Since these abusive words were uttered, neither John Mahama nor any other party official has publicly condemned or disassociated themselves from the attack.

This silence suggests tacit approval,” he added.

The group called on the NDC to demonstrate leadership by addressing the issue and ensuring that its members refrain from making such inflammatory statements in the future.

Below is a copy of the press statement:

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐍 𝐍𝐃𝐂’𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐌 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐊𝐔𝐅𝐔𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 𝐍𝐃𝐂❜𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐒

The Concerned Asante Youth strongly condemn the unwarranted attacks on former President John Agyekum Kufuor by Dela Edem, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team. Dela Edem launched an unfounded tirade against Mr. Kufuor simply because the former President expressed support for the NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. In a display of utter disrespect, the NDC man implied that the former president’s confinement to a wheelchair was due to his “evil deeds” when he was President, a deeply hurtful and malicious accusation that disregards basic human decency.

As responsible young Asantes, we view these derogatory remarks with the utmost seriousness. John Agyekum Kufuor is an extraordinary statesman who has served this country with distinction and commands colossal respect internationally. Consequently, the Concerned Asante Youth demands that Dela Edem immediately retract the offensive statements and render an unqualified apology to Mr. Kufuor within 24 hours. Should he fail to do so, we will take appropriate action.

𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐃𝐂’𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

We are equally concerned that since the NDC communications team member poured out the abusive words at former President Kufuor, neither former President John Mahama nor any other party official has publicly dissociated themselves from the attacks. This lack of response provides ample evidence that Mr. Mahama and his party are in tacit support of the attacks.

The Concerned Asante Youth are not oblivious to the NDC’s longstanding tradition of undermining the Asante people. The current development is part of the grand agenda by the NDC to keep to its tradition of denigrating Asantes for political gain.

We recall the pain and humiliation the NDC subjected former President Kufuor to in 2009 when he was booted out of the government-provided accommodation, which he intended to use for his office after serving two terms as President.

𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲

Following the unprovoked Dela Edem attacks on the distinguished former President, we will not be surprised if the next target could be the Asantehene. Kevin Taylor, a notorious “Mahama boy” and NDC loyalist, has already launched a series of attacks on Asantes, mainly focusing on high-ranking Asante leaders, including His Majesty the Asantehene.

The Concerned Asante Youth are aware that Kevin Taylor has the full backing of John Mahama, who has reportedly been organizing NDC communicators to coach Kevin Taylor on further insulting and discrediting Asantes, particularly the Otumfuo.

This is a wake-up call for all well-meaning Asantes to rise against the malicious plans of the NDC. We urge all Asantes to reflect deeply on this issue and come out in our numbers to vote massively for the NPP in the upcoming elections. Supporting the NPP is the surest way to protect our heritage, as a return to power by the NDC will spell an even worse fate for the Asante people.

Nana Agyenim Boateng

Alias: GYATABA

President

In an interview with selected journalists on Sunday, November 17, Kufuor urged Ghanaians to support Dr. Bawumia in the December polls, describing him as the ideal leader for the nation.

“Given the current global circumstances, I firmly believe Ghana’s economy will improve significantly if Bawumia is elected as President. With divine guidance, he can fulfill this promise. I encourage everyone to back his candidacy,” Kufuor stated.

However, in a sharp response on Oyerepa TV on Monday, November 18, Mr. Kyerematen expressed disappointment with Kufuor’s remarks, arguing that they compromise the neutrality expected of a statesman.

“Kufuor is my uncle, and I respect him deeply, but his actions have tarnished his political legacy. Why would someone of his stature engage in such partisan politics? His endorsement has led to widespread criticism and insults, which could harm his reputation,” he said.

The Movement for Change leader, who broke away from the NPP to establish his party, warned that Kufuor’s involvement in political endorsements could have serious repercussions.

“He’s treading on dangerous ground, and he needs to reconsider his actions. He knows what he’s doing.”

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Speaking to journalists on November 17, Mr. Kufuor responded to a question about why he believes Dr. Bawumia is the right leader for Ghana.

The former President highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s exceptional credentials as an economist, emphasizing his pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic policies even before becoming Vice President.

“Dr. Bawumia’s understanding of economics and his innovative policies have made him stand out. His leadership ideologies align with the aspirations of Ghanaians. I firmly believe he has what it takes to elevate this country,” he stated.

He pointed to Dr. Bawumia’s deep knowledge of economic management and his ability to address complex financial challenges as critical assets, describing him as the leader Ghana needs at this crucial time in its development.

“Ghana requires a leader with vision, experience, and technical expertise to steer the country forward, particularly in these challenging economic times,” he added.

Mr. Kufuor also clarified that his comments were based on his own observations and faith in Dr. Bawumia’s capabilities, not influenced by any lobbying efforts.

“He hasn’t made me a spokesperson or lobbied me to speak for him. My advice is grounded in my own observations of the political landscape and my faith in his abilities,” the former President affirmed.

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He specifically criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for halting critical initiatives, such as the development of the Accra-Kumasi Highway and the Affordable Housing Project at Asokore Mampong, after his New Patriotic Party (NPP) left office in 2008.

Speaking to a select group of journalists in Accra on November 17, the former President reflected on the consequences of the NPP’s electoral defeat, blaming the neglect of these projects on the lack of continuity in governance.

“The change in government in 2008 really affected us due to the absence of continuity. We had plans to complete these projects, but they were stalled. Our brothers in the NDC, who took over, had a different ideology from ours.

“So they abandoned most of our projects. The Affordable Housing Project at Asokore Mampong was left untouched, and sections of the Accra-Kumasi road were also neglected. What kind of rivalry is this?” he lamented.

The former President underscored the need for successive governments to prioritize continuity, emphasizing that funds invested in state projects are public resources, which must not go to waste.

“They refused to continue the road projects we couldn’t finish when we left office. If you won’t complete them, is it your money? It’s the state’s money. Why won’t you complete the projects?” he questioned.

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Speaking to journalists on Sunday, November 17, Mr Kufuor underscored the importance of maintaining calm during the voting process to safeguard Ghana’s democracy.

He emphasized that unity and peace should prevail before, during, and after the elections.

“It is essential for everyone to line up calmly and exercise their voting rights on election day. Electoral violence is unacceptable, and I hope for a peaceful election process,” he said.

The former President reminded citizens that ultimate power rests with the people, emphasizing the need to accept results, regardless of personal preferences.

“We must acknowledge that genuine power resides with the populace. I urge all participants to prioritize peace during this election,” he added.

Source: Adomonline

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed disapproval over comments made by one of its members, Dela Edem, against former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

The controversy stems from a viral video in which Dela Edem, a member of the NDC’s communications team, made offensive comments suggesting that Mr. Kufuor’s use of a wheelchair was due to a curse.

In a press statement released on November 17, 2024, the party described the remarks as “unsavoury and distasteful” but acknowledged that Edem has since retracted the comments and issued an unqualified apology.

The NDC extended its own apology to the former President, emphasizing its respect for the elderly and statesmen in Ghanaian society.

The party urged its communicators to focus on promoting the policies of its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, ahead of the December 7 elections.

The statement also warned the media against the dissemination of fake news, which it attributed to operatives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“Having said this, the NDC wishes to caution the media to be on high alert for purveyors of fake news. It has become the modus operandi of some functionaries and hirelings of the New Patriotic Party to manufacture and disseminate fake news and malicious publications calculated to mislead the Ghanaian public.”

In a widely circulated video, Dela Edem, speaking on TV XYZ, made disparaging remarks, including calling President Kufuor “evil” and attributing his health condition to a curse.

The comments have sparked outrage, with the NPP describing them as “despicable, shameful, and disgraceful.”

In a statement issued on November 16, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, stated:
“These unprovoked attacks on the revered statesman and former president are despicable, shameful, and disgraceful. Accordingly, the NPP condemns them in no uncertain terms.”

The NPP also criticized NDC flagbearer John Mahama for his silence on the matter, urging him to show leadership by taking disciplinary action against Dela Edem.

They further called on Mahama to publicly denounce the remarks and issue an apology to former President Kufuor.

Read the statement below:

Last week, during his tour of the Ashanti Region, Bawumia revealed his plans to prioritize railway development, highlighting a strategic line from Tema, through Boankra, to the North, and also through to the Western Region.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Asempa FM, former President Kufuor commended the railway development plan, among other policies Bawumia has outlined, which he said are needed for the transformation of the country.

“A few days ago, I was listening to him, and he mentioned his plans to prioritize railway development,” said former President Kufuor.

“He mentioned Tema through Boankra all the way to the north to open up the country, using the iron deposit, which is very good and the way to go.”

Making a case for why Dr. Bawumia should be elected the next President of Ghana, former President Kufuor said the Vice President, whom he described as well-prepared for the Presidency, has demonstrated his understanding of key issues needed in modern governance for a leader to transform a country.

“We need somebody like him who understands modern trends in global affairs and also technology and digitalization. These are the trends in developed countries like America and others,” former President Kufuor said.

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In an exclusive interview with Asempa FM, the respected former President said he has, over the years, observed Dr. Bawumia’s good conduct, describing him as a “unifier,” which he said “is good for the country.”

“I have observed his good conduct. He is not divisive,” said the former President.

“Everyone knows he is a Muslim, but he has a great relationship with Christians. It is very important because in this country, many try to use religion to create a wedge.”

“He is also a northerner, but he gets along so well with everybody.”

The former President, who is credited with spotting Dr. Bawumia and getting him to the Central Bank, spoke highly of Dr. Bawumia, expressing his confidence in the Vice President to transform the country as President.

Rallying support for Dr. Bawumia, the former President said the Vice President has demonstrated his understanding of what is required of a modern leader to transform a country, through his remarkable pursuit of technology and digitalization, which he said is applicable in all aspects of governance and economic transformation.

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In an exclusive interview with Asempa FM, President Kufuor said technology and digitalization are global trends indispensable to modern governance. He emphasized that Ghana needs a leader who understands and appreciates them, as Bawumia has “consistently” done.

“We need somebody like him who understands modern trends in global affairs and also technology and digitalization. These are the trends in developed countries like America and others,” former President Kufuor said.

Stressing the significance and enormous impact of technology in the world, President Kufuor referenced the influence of a young American billionaire, saying he is able to “call the shots” because of his background in technology.

“About this digital technology, have you heard about Elon Musk in America?” the former President asked his interviewer, Osei Bonsu (OB).

“When was the last time in the past years that you heard one man was so powerful as Elon Musk is? He is so powerful that when he speaks, the American President, the Russian President, all listen. It is because of this new technology he controls, even though he is very young.”

“These technologies are very important and key to the transformation of the country, and Bawumia has clearly shown how he wants to apply them in our banking system, electoral system, governance system, and tax system to help our business people grow their businesses. He has also shown how he wants to apply it in healthcare—just look at the drone system and all that.”

Reiterating his belief in Bawumia, the former President added that over the years, he has observed the conduct and presentations of the Vice President and is convinced that he is the “man of the moment” to take the country forward.

“I have observed him and his policies, which is why I say he is the man of the moment. We need all these things he talks about.”

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Mr. Kufuor made these comments during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, where he discussed the structure of Ghana’s executive presidency and the responsibilities that come with it.

The remarks come in the wake of comments made by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the current Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Dr. Bawumia recently urged Ghanaians to vote for him in the upcoming election, promising that, with the mandate of the presidency, he would be able to implement policies that would drive the country’s development.

His plea for power was particularly aimed at addressing what he sees as a lack of progress during his tenure as Vice President, where, according to him, he could only offer advice but lacked the authority to enact change.

Kufuor’s statement underscores the notion that, in Ghana’s political system, the President holds the ultimate executive authority, with others in government, including the Vice President, serving in advisory roles.

He stressed that while Bawumia may have had good intentions and ideas, his capacity to effect change was limited by the position he held as Vice President. It is only as President that he could fully realise his vision for the country.

The former president also responded to critics who have blamed Bawumia for the current economic difficulties faced by Ghana, pointing out that the Vice President’s role has always been more about offering counsel to the President.

He reiterated that true power lies with the office of the President, and it is only through securing that position that one can enact substantial policies and reforms to improve the nation’s fortunes.

“I have been President before; In Ghana, the government is the President. Ours is an executive presidency. All other persons in government are only advisors, including the Vice President,” he stated.

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In his view, their vote will shape their future.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr Kufuor said the youth should not be swayed by radical rhetoric but instead carefully consider their choice.

He urged them to vote for a leader who will bring unity and progress, not division.

He said, “This election is very important. Do not be misled by extreme talk. Examine the candidates carefully and vote for someone who will foster unity, not tribalism. Vote for someone who will attract investors and focus on infrastructure development.”

Mr Kufuor cautioned the youth that if they fail to make an informed decision, they may regret it.

“If you don’t choose wisely, you will suffer. It is crucial that you make the right choice for your future,” he added.

With just 24 days left before the election, the various political parties have intensified their campaign efforts across the country to secure votes from eligible voters.

KUFUOR ON YOUTH

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, he described him as “a man of destiny.”

Mr. Kufuor shared insights into Dr. Bawumia’s early career, recounting his first encounter with him at an international finance conference in 2003.

At the time, Dr. Bawumia was working as part of the research team at the Bank of Ghana, where he contributed significantly to Ghana’s financial sector.

Kufuor said he was impressed by Dr Bawumia’s presentation at the conference, describing it as “very vital,” and recalled personally thanking him afterwards.

“I hadn’t spoken to him before then, but I called him over and told him he had a bright future.”

Four years later, in 2007, a vacancy opened for the position of Deputy Governor at the Bank of Ghana.

Kufuor said that Dr. Bawumia’s name immediately came to mind as a strong candidate for the role.

“When the governor asked if I had someone in mind for the position, I recommended Bawumia without hesitation, and he excelled beyond my expectations,” he said.

The former president further disclosed Dr Bawumia’s achievements in finance and expertise were so well-regarded that many prominent figures in the financial sector hoped he would stay in finance rather than pursue a political career as the running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo.

Reflecting on Dr. Bawumia’s integrity and commitment to public service, Mr. Kufuor urged Ghanaians to support his candidacy.

“Bawumia has done a lot that speaks to his character. I believe he is the right man to lead Ghana forward. He is capable and should be given the chance,” he stated.

KUFUOR ON BAWUMIA

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Kufuor expressed disappointment over the situation, describing it as an “embarrassing” impasse that could tarnish Bagbin’s otherwise distinguished career.

The stand-off stems from the Supreme Court’s recent decision to stay Bagbin’s earlier ruling, which had declared four parliamentary seats vacant.

Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) disagree with Bagbin’s ruling, while those of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) continue to support it.

Bagbin’s ruling effectively tilted the balance of power in the House in favor of the NDC, who now claim the majority of the parliamentarians.

Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, NDC MPs continue to assert their “newfound majority” status in the chamber, occupying seats previously reserved for the NPP majority.

In response, Members of Parliament from the NPP, led by their leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, have refrained from entering the chamber, seeking to avoid potential physical confrontations.

Their absence has effectively stalled proceedings and highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding the majority-minority debate.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Kufuor emphasized the importance of Speaker Bagbin’s role in resolving the impasse and urged him to prioritize stability and decorum in the House.

He warned that if left unchecked, the current situation could damage Bagbin’s reputation and undermine his contributions to Ghana’s political landscape.

“I will plead with the Speaker of Parliament to step up and show leadership. What’s happening in Parliament is embarrassing. It can destroy his illustrious record,” he said.

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He noted that, all the Presidents who have come to power under the NPP in the Fourth Republic are still alive.

Speaking at a campaign rally, Dr Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, highlighted the significance of this, emphasising the continued influence and wisdom these leaders bring to the party.

He praised the NPP for its strong leadership legacy, which he believes sets it apart from other political parties in Ghana.

The former Energy Minister also pointed out that President Akufo-Addo continues to benefit from the guidance of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

He mentioned that, this ongoing mentorship contributes to the strength and unity of the party as it prepares for the 2024 elections.

Dr Opoku Prempeh concluded by expressing confidence in the NPP’s ability to lead Ghana to further development, drawing on the experience and knowledge of its past and present leaders.

He urged supporters to rally behind the party as it moves forward with its vision for the country.

“Due to God’s blessing, the NPP President [J.A. Kufuor] is still alive. President Akufo-Addo consults him. He has lived long. God wants him to see what has become of the good work he did,” he said.

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Addressing attendees at the launch of the Kufuor Scholars Foundation, a voter campaign dedicated to enhancing youth engagement in the upcoming polls, Kufuor stressed the pivotal role of young people in shaping Ghana’s future.

He urged the youth to see themselves as king-makers in the electoral process, highlighting the significant impact their involvement can have on the country’s trajectory.

“Ghana alone has about 30 million citizens and with your learning and mature brain power throughout our societies, if you would do what you should do as responsible citizens to try to give the nation good leadership, inclusive leadership, if you would do that, then I tell you, within a few years you will see Ghana turning around to really be coming up, to be emulated on the continent of Africa to better the lot of humanity.”

In the 2020 elections, over 17 million Ghanaians of voting age registered to vote but only 13 million people turned up to vote.

Concerns of voter apathy, economic hardship and bad governance are emerging as reasons why these individuals may have failed to vote.

The situation is more critical in the upcoming December 7 election, as a survey conducted by the Kufuor Scholars Foundation on voter interest revealed that, 43 percent of every 1,000 Ghanaians plan not to vote.

Given the urgency, the Kufuor Scholars Programme under the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation has partnered with the National Commission for Civic Education to launch a voter campaign exercise aimed at heightening education and awareness on voting during elections.

The former President speaking at the event added “Having over 70% of the youth population means that, you will be unstoppable if you become committed to doing what is right.”

Several personalities attended the launch including Prof Agyemang Baffuor Duah, CEO of JAK Foundation; H.E. Harriet Thompson, British High Commissioner to Ghana; Dr Pascal Brenya, KSP Coordinator; Nana Ama Oppong Duah, Policy Advisor at the JAK Foundation; and Irene Horsham (Esq), Rector, Mountcrest University.

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The announcement follows a letter from the Mr Kufuor, who once served as Chairman of Asante Kotoko, in response to a request to serve as Board Chairman of the Academy.

In his letter dated June 3, 2024, Mr Kufuor commended the Academy’s founder, Mr Kennedy Agyepong (Kenpong), for his visionary efforts in establishing the Academy to enhance football development in Ghana.

“Firstly, I wish to congratulate you on your vision in setting up this football academy to enhance the development of football in the country,” Kufuor stated.

While expressing his gratitude for the invitation to serve as the Board Chairman, Mr Kufuor requested to serve as a patron of the Academy.

“It will be a privilege to be associated with the Kenpong Football Academy; however, I wish, rather, to serve as a PATRON of the organization,” he wrote.

Mr. Kufuor assured Mr. Agyepong and the Academy’s players of his continued support and accessibility. “My doors are always open to you and your boys,” he affirmed.

Kenpong Football Academy, located in Winneba, has recently been in the spotlight for forging partnerships with top European football clubs.

The involvement of Mr. Kufuor, a respected figure in Ghanaian football and politics, is expected to further elevate the Academy’s profile and its mission to nurture young football talents in the country.

Mr. Agyepong expressed his delight at Mr. Kufuor’s acceptance to serve as a patron, highlighting the former President’s vast experience and influence as invaluable assets to the Academy’s growth and success.

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The Kufuor government started the construction of the stadium in 2003, but subsequent administrations abandoned the project.

As part of the infrastructure to host the 13th African Games in Ghana, the government resumed construction, re-grassing it and changing the athletics tracks to World Athletics-certified tracks, as well as a standard warm-up athletics tracks beside the stadium.

Speaking at the commissioning of the stadium on Friday, March 1, 2024, Dr Bawumia acknowledged the immense contribution of President Kufuor’s Government, and other stakeholders.

“I am particularly excited about the completion of the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with added facilities, due to its chequered history.

“As we all know, the construction of this stadium started under the government of His Excellency President J. A. Kufuor over 15 years ago,” he noted.

“However, the construction of this stadium was completely abandoned by successive governments, until our government assumed office and decided to resume construction and the result is the beautiful edifice we are commissiong.

“I would like to thank former President Kufuor, for his vision to build a stadium for University of Ghana, the GETFUND for providing the initial funding, to the University of Ghana and to all those who have played various roles to ensure the completion of the stadium.”

Dr Bawumia added that as the University of Ghana celebrates its landmark 75th Anniversary, “there could not have been a more fitting monument for the Anniversary.”

“This has come at the right time; to host the African Games and also as a befitting legacy to the University and its community,” the Vice President added.

This, he noted, was the hallmark of good leadership.

Quality public service that ensured inclusiveness and eschewed discrimination in all forms was vital to transform the society for the better, the former President added.

“Quality public service in a democracy such as ours should acknowledge the individual citizen, from whom all power emanates, as the real sovereign authority of the land.”

Former President Kufuor was speaking on the theme: ‘Maintaining Excellence, Integrity and Service in an Era of Global Instability and Permissiveness’, at a special honorary awards’ ceremony at the Valley View University (VVU), in the Greater Accra Region.

The programme saw the University, Ghana’s first private and chartered university, conferring four honorary doctorate degrees on some distinguished African personalities at the ceremony.

It also presented a citation to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Those who received the honorary doctorate degrees were President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, former President Kufuor, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady, and Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Ghana’s Chief of Staff.

The awardees were recognised for their selfless dedication to the cause of humanity and society, having distinguished themselves in their respective fields of endeavour.

They have also been instrumental in championing the society’s progress, particularly, in the area of education, health, peace-building, youth, women and children’s development, good governance, democracy and mentorship.

“All the awardees share the distinction of public service with leadership.”

“We all also staunchly believe in human dignity,” former President Kufuor noted, while delivering his speech after he was decorated with an academic robe.

He reminded African leaders that working to address development challenges in the society and aspirations of the people, was invaluable for good governance.

He advised: “The theme should guide us to maintain excellence, integrity and service in an era of global instability and permissiveness.

“The key to ourselves is to begin to act rightly under all circumstances. Firstly, we have to do right by the laws of the land. Then, we must also be guided to being aware of and appreciation of our nations’ position in the global context. And, finally, we must uphold the centrality of humanity in all our worthy endeavours wherever we find ourselves. Living by this tenet would not be a mean task to do, but surely, you will have fulfilled your conscience.”

According to him, the former President chose the country over his health and personal well-being even when the situation was dire.

On November 14, 2007, former President Kufuor was involved in an accident at the Opeibea House on the Accra-Madina highway.

The statesman, however, escaped unhurt. But for the Asantehene, Mr Kufuor should have taken some time off to recuperate. Thus, former President Kufuor’s refusal to be absent from his presidential duties played a contributory factor in his current state.

“He cannot walk, and I said to him that it was his own fault and I have told him. He had an accident on his way to the (Osu) Castle, he was saved, and from 37 Military Hospital he went to sit in the Castle to work. I called him from Kumasi and asked him; ‘What are you doing in the office?’ And he said ‘I am okay, nothing happened to me.’ I said ‘No, you better go home and rest, Ghana will still be there’. He stayed in the office until four before he left,” he said on Tuesday.

This behaviour, the Asantehene believes, shows a man who loved his country and always considered it first.

“This is the man who sacrificed his life for Ghana. Thank you so much for the service you gave to Ghana,” he said.

The visit, which came off at the Peduase residence of former President Kufuor at Aburi in the Eastern Region, was to officially extend an invitation to him for the funeral and burial of the late father of Dr. Siaw Agyepong—Opanyin Samuel Kwame Agyepong.

Obomeng Aduana Abusuapanyin Barima Osei Berko, who led the delegation of bereaved family members of Dr. Siaw Agyepong, thanked former President Kufuor for sympathising with them during the one week observation of Opanyin Agyepong.

“Not long ago, we respectfully came to inform His Excellency about the passing of our father—Opanyin Samuel Agyepong. But in spite of your busy schedule, you delegated somebody to represent you at the one week ceremony of our late father. We are truly grateful to you, Your Excellency,” he expressed.

He said the family met after the one week observation to agree on the date for the burial and funeral of Opanyin Agyepong.

“And so we are here to formally inform you of the funeral arrangements, and also officially invite you to the funeral ceremony,” the leader of the delegation said.

According to Abusuapanyin Osei Berko, the funeral of the late father of Dr. Siaw Agyepong will be held on Saturday (September 10, 2022) at the forecourt of the State House, Accra.

“And in the afternoon on the same day the family will accompany the mortal remains of Opanyin Agyepong to Kwahu for interment,” stating that the funeral will then continue at the forecourt of the State House from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm,” he noted.

He continued that on Sunday, September 11, 2022, a thanksgiving service will be held in memory of Opanyin Agyepong at the Teshie Nungua Estate branch of the Church of Pentecost, adding that “this was where the late Opanyin Agyepong attended church while he was alive.”

“That same Sunday, after church we will continue with the funeral at his residence at Teshie Nungua Estates,” Abusuapanyin Osei Berko informed former President Kufuor.

On his part, former President Kufuor thanked the delegation for the respect accorded him especially by the chiefs of Obo and family members of Dr. Siaw Agyepong.

He commended Dr. Siaw Agyepong for his relentless contributions towards the progress of Ghana, stressing that his name has become a household name amongst children, youth and aged of this country.

Former President Kufuor said by dint of hard work, Dr. Siaw Agyepong’s services have reached other African countries.

He assured the delegation that God willing on 10th September, the date for the funeral, he will try and attend to commiserate with the family of Dr. Siaw Agyepong.

He also asked for God’s blessings for Dr. Siaw Agyepong and wished him the best in all his endeavours.

According to him, media reportage suggesting that he had endorsed the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s candidacy, against the other aspiring candidates at the recent Peduase Valley Resort Father’s Day soiree had totally misconstrued what had transpired.

In a press statement clarifying the situation, the Former President explained that the media had erroneously attributed his kind words to Dr. Bawumia as an endorsement when it was not supposed to be.

The Former President explained that when he had described the Veep as “a true son”, there was nothing political about his remarks or even the occasion.

According to him, he has a very close relationship with all of the aspiring candidates and would throw his full support behind anyone who is elected to discharge the duty of the flagbearer for the Party ahead of the 2024 elections.

“In the upcoming NPP Flagbearership race, in order to achieve party unity and sustain it thereafter for victory of the party in the 2024 elections, what President Kufuor expects from the party and political hierarchies are fair and un-engineered systems and processes that would lead to a fair selection of our next NPP flagbearer.

“This should be devoid of coercion and machinations so that the eventual selected nominee, coming out of the uncompromised freewill of the voting delegates, can easily command the support and respect of all party faithfuls, and indeed, other Ghanaians sympathetic to our cause towards ‘breaking the eight’,” the statement clarifying issues stated.

Below is the full statement:

He mentioned specifically the Asantehene’s input in Ghana’s exit from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, at the time the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was hesitant to help.

The former President made the remark when he received the Otumfuo commemorative gold coin at his residence in Accra on Monday, January 7, 2022.

Explaining how Otumfuo facilitated Ghana’s exit from the HIPC initiative, the former President said his administration did so well to attain the completion point of the programme but just before the country could exit the programme, the board of the IMF, which was meeting in Washington, USA, decided that the government had not observed the conditionality of not increasing wages and salaries so they were going to take the country out of the programme, which could have come with some grave consequences.

Coincidently, he said, the Asantehene was in Washington on the invitation of the then President of the World Bank, James D. Wolfensohn.

“So I sent a message through the Juabenhene [Nana Otuo Siriboe II] now the Chairman of the Council of State who was travelling to the USA to join the Asantehene on the trip, to get the Otumfuo informed of the development. Nana Juabenhene stepped out of my office and phoned Otumfuo who immediately called me and we had a conversation and I pleaded with him to get Mr Wolfensohn to talk to the IMF on the assurance that we will correct the anomaly, and Otumfuo did it; saving the country from being taken out of the programme,” former President Kufuor stated.

Endorsement

President Kufuor, who endorsed the commemorative gold coin project, said it was appropriate and a great moment for the Asantehene to be honoured.

The former President remarked that when the Dagbon disturbances broke out in 2002, he as President at the time, set up the Wuaku Commission to go into the criminal aspect of the unfortunate incident.

“But I realised that the problem had deep-seated traditional roots, and therefore, I decided that apart from the criminal aspect, the traditional aspect should also be tackled using our traditional leaders,” he said.

Consequently, President Kufuor said he made an appeal to three traditional rulers of high repute – Asantehene,  Nayiri and Yagbonwura – to help which they readily accepted leading to the realization of the peace process during the Presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo.

The former President also used the opportunity to praise the E ON 3 Group and its partners for coming out with the gold coin project.

 “I believe it is correct and timely and I’m happy it was done by a good collection of private institutions. The good thing is that the Bank of Ghana has put its seal on it. This gold coin, 99.99 percent, is something I haven’t heard of anywhere. So this is pure gold and it shows the effort and perseverance Otumfuo and his fellow ancient monarchs, fathers of the nation, made in restoring peace to Dagbon, which is a very important part of the country.”

Briefing the former President, the General  Manager of the E ON 3 Group, Mr Jesse Agyepong, said it was significant that the Dagbon peace process started during his [President Kufuor’s] time, travelling through his predecessors and ending with President Akufo-Addo.

He further told Mr Kufuor that the gold coin is a life-long project which is intended to be part of Ghana’s culture and heritage.

He announced that after the road map for presenting  the gold coin to selected leaders, “we will go to the public in April 2022.”

Delegation

The delegation from the E ON 3 Group, and its partners that were at the residence of President Kufuor was led by the Executive Chairman of E ON 3 Group, Mr Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta.

The other members were Mr Paul Asimenu, Legal Advisor of Gold Coast Refinery, and Mrs Yvonne Antonio, Head of Retail Banking for Access Bank. Festus Ofosu-Yeboah, Business Head, Adjiringanor Branch for Access Bank and Seth Sorgah, Head of Sales and Distribution Coronation Insurance were also present.

The statesman on December 8, turned 83, and to celebrate him, social media users flooded Twitter with messages to show appreciation.

Among those who prayed for God’s blessings on his behalf were President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

Speaking at the opening of the second edition of the Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum on Wednesday, President Akufo-Addo said “May God continue to bless John Agyekum Kufuor. His birthday is today.”

In a tweet on Thursday, the former President stated that the love and support shown yesterday gave him great pleasure; and for that, he is very appreciative.

“Thank you for the Twitter messages and posts for my birthday! They are all very appreciated and absolutely made my day,” he stated.

Thank you for the Twitter messages and posts for my birthday! They are all very appreciated and absolutely made my day.

— John Agyekum Kufuor (@JohnAKufuor) December 9, 2021

According to some social media users, the interventions and initiatives put in place by Mr Kufuor during his eight years in office, from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009, to develop the country remain unmatched.

Happy 83rd birthday to His Excellency @JohnAKufuor.
Sir, may God continue to bless you with good health. pic.twitter.com/aLA2gkfAiQ

— Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (@MBawumia) December 8, 2021

The 194-page book, titled: “A collection of John Agyekum Kufuor”, was written by the acting Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), Mr Ivor Agyeman-Duah, who is also the former President’s long-time biographer and historian.

With a foreword by a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, the book has ten chapters which give readers graphic images, supported with texts which paint pictures of the art collections.

Published in three different editions — Digibooks in Accra, Ghana, Bookcraft in Ibadan, Nigeria, and a joint European and US edition, the book has chapters including: A Sorcerer’s Apprentice: Lesson in Portrait Painting, A Woman’s Tender Care, Faith and “The Testimonies of the Martyrs”, Before the Better Angels of Our Nature and Cloth of Many Colours.

A separate 70-page companion booklet: “Keeper of the Remains – A Collection of Poetry”, by the author is published alongside the book on Kufuor, in further mediation of artistic creations such as the architecture of the St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, St Paul’s in London and other sojourner’s poetic encounters, as diverse as snow formation in the little Kingdom of Lesotho, the hills of Kigali or the tomb of the great economist and Nobel laureate, W. Arthur Lewis in St Lucia, Eastern Caribbean.

Psychology of power

The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who launched the book at a ceremony at the residence of the French Ambassador to Ghana at Cantonments in Accra last Tuesday evening, said the book was not just about the beauty of the collections but also the depth of its coverage, which he indicated added up to the collective history of what symbols meant in the psychology of power.

Dr Bawumia said the writings of the author on literary arts had entered the phase of presidential art collection and the book was a stretch of the skills and talents of the author.

The Vice-President, who described the book as a masterpiece, said he was initially intrigued about how the author had drawn the link between “art and the power of goodness”.

 “Mr Agyeman-Duah goes back to centuries of African leadership and economies and discusses Sahelian art and poetry. We are presented with paintings and art works that tell a story.

“There is a chapter on the faith of President Kufuor telling us about how faith has enshrined its goodness on the former President, the diversity of African culture and interesting paintings of diplomacy, stones and emblems of power,” he added.

Gift

Dr Bawumia said former President Kufuor “has been good to us with this gift and Mr Agyeman-Duah has led the public to know and admire these creations from within Ghana, Nigeria and 50 other countries that go as far as the near and the far east of Asia”.

The Vice-President later donated GH¢50,000, which he said was his heritage acquisition for the books, so that reference libraries, art colleges and institutions across the country could know and read them.

Appreciation

While thanking the French Embassy and the Ambassador for the gallery and the gathering, Vice-President Bawumia said the economies of art in contemporary terms appealed very forcefully to him if it served as evidence of Africa’s creativity in the immediate post-colonial time.

He said it was the private sector that was driving the creativity and market share and mentioned artists, practitioners, training institutions, galley managers, collector and buyers of art for being a part of it.

Dr Bawumia said he was happy about the collaboration between artists based in the country and those outside and said they deserved the recognition.

Eulogy

In a tribute to the former President, Vice-President Bawumia said he was privileged to witness what President Kufuor did for Ghana when he moved the country from a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) economy to a frontier emerging market economy in eight years.

“We saw how he focused on growing the private sector, reducing poverty and restoring macroeconomic stability; we saw him introduce the landmark National Health Insurance Scheme ( NHIS), the school feeding programme and the capitation grant, free maternal care and massive infrastructure projects across the country,” Dr Bawumia stated.

He added: “President Kufuor was and is a force for good in the political history of the country.”

He said the former President gave meaning to so many good things, for which Ghanaians for generations to come would continue to be grateful.

Until now, he said, “I suspect many did not know he also kept an interest in art and its collection”.

 Funding

The French Ambassador, Ms Anne Sophie Ave, said as part of her outfit’s objective to fund projects by civil society to foster community-led management of tourism sites, it was working with the John Kufuor Foundation to refurbish three of the 10 traditional buildings in Ashanti.

She said France had always been involved with arts and culture and so it was training GMMB staff and creating links and cooperation with museums in France.

Ms Ave said under a Project for Higher Education and Research, the Heritage and Tourism of Ghana, which is a relationship with the GMMB and its director, the Embassy was refurbishing the archaeology laboratory of the University of Ghana and producing animation films to promote the heritage of Ghana.

“We are providing signage for all the world heritage sites in Ghana, including the forts and castles, as well as 10 Ashanti traditional buildings, which are all under the custody of the GMMB. That will allow for visitors to know more about those sites,” she stated.

Work of power

In a speech, Mr Agyeman-Duah said: “I got to know of these objects and art works and wanted to do data entry of them, but I also decided to look at them from art in the context of these collections.”

He said upon a careful thought, he selected 70 of the art works and got a visual anthropologist from the University of Ghana to do the photography of all the works.

He said he related the works to power and power acquisition because former President Kufuor was a power strategist who, even when many did not believe could win the presidential election, had an intuition he could win.

For his part, the Executive Secretary to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Nana Bediatuo Asante, called for the revival of the erstwhile Ghanatta College of Art, which he said trained most of the exciting young Ghanaian artists presently blazing the international trail.

He described the former President as a “snake under grass” for attacking a man on whose legacy he [Kufuor] sought to develop Ghana.

His comment is in reaction to former President Kufuor’s assertion that, Dr Nkrumah rushed Ghana’s development.

He said though the Nkrumah administration had a vision, it did not plan well to execute it which has affected the foundation.

“On the surface he appears like a nice guy, but is a snake under grass! For me personally,” he said

He took to his Facebook wall to react to former President Kufuor’s opinion

“In fact what Kufuor is saying is that we didn’t really need independence and that we are better off under the manipulations of the West,” he wrote.

Below is his Facebook post:

Speaking to JoyPrime’s KMJ, he said some media houses have been giving their platforms to ingenuine people and tricksters who make vain promises while the nation watches on.

“How could young people do this? What do they know? Unfortunately, you media people are giving so much exposure to tricksters and fraudulent people, promising everything. When you look at them you should know that these are people who are themselves just bad and ignorant. That is not the way for our society to go.”

The Former President said it was important some of these people are not given the platforms to perpetuate their lies because of the impact they could have on society.

His comment comes after the 16 and 18-year-old suspects confessed to taking their young neighbor’s life for rituals.

According to the Police, one of the suspects confessed that a spiritualist, whom they had discovered on national television agreed to help them become instant billionaires if they will provide a human being and a sum of ¢5,000.

The two, per the police charge sheet, admitted to killing 10-year-old Ishmael by hitting his neck with a shovel and subsequently, with a block made out of cement.

This was after luring him into an uncompleted building under the guise of selling him a video game at Lamptey, a suburb of Kasoa in the Central Region.

This development has triggered anger among a cross-section of Ghanaians over the seeming increase in spiritualists and Mallams on television promising unreasonable get-rich-quick avenues for the unsuspecting youth.

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Former President Kufuor urged media houses and their editors to cut out contents and people that could “defraud the society.”

He added that leaders in the communities, security services and the media should also work together to check some of these persons.

This, he added, will ensure these fraudulent persons do not take advantage of people.

“We need to do that, media and of course the authorities too should come up and tackle all these people who are now virtually hijacking the airwaves with vain promises and trickery. They should be eradicated than even some of the diseases we are talking about.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC) has downplayed speculations that the killing of a 10-year-old boy in Kasoa was influenced by the proliferation of spiritualists on national television.

Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo sees the linkage as a lazy way to approach the investigations into the murder which saw two teenagers, Felix Nyarko and Nicholas Kiki gruesomely murder their friend, Ishmael Mensah with the intention of using his body parts for rituals.

“To put it on a charge sheet that this is the reason why they did that, I think that this is a very lazy investigation,” he said on News Night.

According to him, the news of the demise of his predecessor and longtime nemesis “came as a thunderbolt to us and our children.”

He stated that though they had not always agreed on many matters, he felt that Mr Rawlings had always been trying to do the best he knew and could for the glory of the country even under the peculiar circumstances he had found himself in.

“In this regard whatever doubts persisted about his commitment to democratic rule became attenuated and earned him a legacy of contributing to the sustenance of democratic governance of our country till his demise,” Mr Kufuor said.

He added that: “History would give him a balanced place in our nation’s annals.”

He further commiserated with the family of the late former President and wished him peace in the afterlife.

“We are left now to mourn him and also express our heartfelt condolences to his widow, Mrs Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, their children, and the larger family.

“May he rest in peace in the mercies of the Lord God,” former President Kufuor’s statement concluded.

Mr Rawlings passed away on the morning of Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital following a short illness.

He’s survived by his wife and four children.

He said this was part of the monumental economic challenges that the NDC administration left for him to come and deal with after the 2000 elections.

Speaking in an interview with Kwaku Sakyi-Addo on Asaase Radio on Sunday, September 6, Mr Kufuor described the situation as “an abyss and a difficult situation.”

“In fact, one of the opponents had even said they were waiting to see if the government will last for three months. It was like we were forced into some trap, and looking ahead we saw an abyss that unless we did some very fast work we may have problems.

“We tried talking our way around within the donor partners to see if they would trust that we had come in with a different outlook and ideology and philosophy and that we would do things differently from the outgone administration but they wouldn’t listen to us.

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“The multilaterals, the IMF, they told us the previous regime had misreported to them about the state of the economy and Ghana was fined $36 million. They said unless we settled that fine they won’t trade with us.

“Our sister nation Nigeria wouldn’t continue to give us crude oil. Why? Because the previous regime hadn’t paid for the supplies and there were long queues at filling stations. The cedi was weak.

“This was why after trying very hard to find a solution, we went to HIPC initiative. That was the alternative so we had to go to the IMF and say we were sorry about Ghana’s economy.

“This was debasing but it was the bullet we had to bite, a very difficult [one],” he said.

According to the former president, negotiations between his government and The Fund in its last stage was abruptly cancelled and it took the intervention of the revered King for it to be restored and for Ghana to access the fiscal support it needed.

In 2000 when Ghana was declared HIPC country, my engagements with IMF at the eleventh hour was abrogated, and after a tip-off, I made a plea to Otumfuo who was in Washington then to talk to a friend of his who works at IMF. Without hesitation, he talked to his friend and Ghana was reconsidered. Without Otumfuo, there was no way Ghana would have gotten any support from IMF, he said.

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Speaking on Kumasi-based Opemsuo FM, he spoke highly of Otumfuo stating that his remarkable contributions to the development of the country could not be watered down.

There were many times that Otumfuo has helped me and the country during my administration, I can’t talk about all of them, he stressed.

Dr Kwabena Osei Adubofour said the reports are false and that Mr Kufuor is “hale and hearty.”

The denial comes after some media reports suggested that that Mr Kufuor and his wife have been isolated over Covid-19 fears.

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The reports suggested that this was done after some security officers at the couple’s residence tested positive for the virus.

But Dr Adubofour said the former president is doing well.

According to him, their cordial relationship has reflected in the massive feat chalked by the government in its first term.

“Relationship between Vice President and Nana Addo is like a Catholic marriage,” former President Kufuor said at the unveiling of the Nana-Bawumia ticket at Alisa Hotel in Accra.

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Although he felt that the Akufo-Addo-led government was promising too much, Mr Kufuor said he was extremely glad they have achieved a lot in three years.

He said the NPP has proven that it does not engage in rhetoric but are actually doers.

“The leadership of the NPP (Akufo-Addo and Bawumia) doesn’t just talk but walk the talk which is why Ghanaians would give them four more years,” the former President opined.

Mr Kufuor appealed for total support for the Nana-Bawumia ticket for an overwhelming victory in the December general election.

“I was the bridge between the old and the new party and I pray Nana and Mahamudu will continue,” he prayed.

Mr. Rawlings, who had earlier accused Mr. Kufuor of being responsible for the perennial floods in the capital city, appears to have been rubbed up the wrong way after the later in a response described him [Rawlings] as a hypocrite. 

Rawlings had accused his successor of leaving a legacy of impunity that has encouraged individuals to indiscriminately site buildings in waterways.

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“The Kufuor one, those Villagio villages and those things built in waterways…so if he can do it why can’t others do it…build their houses and factories on the southern side of the motorway where it blocks the waterway,” furious Rawlings quizzed last Thursday, when the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) paid a courtesy call on him.

But Spokesperson for Mr. Kufuor, Dr Kwabena Osei Adubofour dismissed claims that his boss supervised the building of hotels and luxury apartments in waterways in Accra.

Dr Adubour said once there is a department that is mandated to do that job if any individual or business entity is able to get a permit to put up whatever building, it is not for Mr Kufuor to answer.

He then took a swipe at Mr. Rawlings, claiming he should be the last person to speak about integrity.

“He [Rawlings] talks about integrity? You know, that is like the pot calling the kettle black…He is the last person to talk about integrity,” Mr. Kufuor’s spokesperson said in an interview.

In a tweet on Monday, Mr. Rawlings said he has been advised to ignore the former President, John Kufour, because no matter how true what he says, it rather draws some sympathy for him. 

President JAK, I’ve been advised to ignore you and let you be because no matter how truthful what I say may be, it rather draws some sympathy for you… pic.twitter.com/6Vi4ySndi4

— Jerry John Rawlings (@officeofJJR) November 4, 2019

This was part of the activities to mark the country’s 171st National Flag Day.

The occasion also marked the 15th year of the signing of the Accra Accords which was the final peace document that was negotiated to bring final closure to the many years of war that ravaged the West African country.

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The accord was brokered mainly under the auspices of former President Kufuor, the then-president of Ghana and chair of ECOWAS. Peace has since ensued in Liberia and there has been a peaceful and democratic change of government among opposing political parties.

Also, honoured in the ceremony were Arsene Wenger, former manager of Arsenal football club, who received the award of Knight Grand Commander, Humane Order of African Redemption (KGC-HOAR), and Claude Le Roy, coach of the Togolese National Team, who received the award of Knight Commander, Humane Order of African Redemption (KC-HOAR).

Other award recipients were Frank Jerico Nagbe, former coach of the Lonestar, the Liberian National team; Dominic Vava George, former coach of Lonestar; and Gbour S. Wilson, a basketball icon, each of whom was awarded the Commander, Star of Africa (CSA).

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A citation that accompanied the award to former President Kufuor and read by the Liberian president says among others that: “Under [President Kufuor’s] ingenious leadership, marked socio-economic development was recorded in Ghana; notably, pioneering of the National Health Insurance Scheme which benefited more than eleven million Ghanaians; construction and operationalization of more than two hundred hospitals and clinics; introduction of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Program (LEAP) which provided cash transfers to poor households in the country; among others.”

It continued “As president of Ghana and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, you oversaw Liberia[n] peace efforts and coordinated with the parties to the Liberian conflict culminating in the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which laid the roadmap for the successful restoration of peace and stability of Liberia. The Government and people of Liberia owe you a debt of gratitude for the sustained fraternal bond of friendship you exhibited; and your continued positive role in promoting peace and development in Liberia has won for you a special place in the hearts of Liberians.”

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President Kufuor on his part thanked the president, government, and people of Liberia for the recognition of his efforts to help a brother African country in times of need, especially in the critical area of peace which is a pre-requisite for national development.

He hoped that the peace that is now been enjoyed in Liberia will be a lasting one and that the president and his government will deliver the socio-economic development that Liberians are yearning for to bring smiles to their faces.

The former president and his delegation returned home to Ghana on Friday evening.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem Monday, Mr Agyekum Kufuor said the late Kofi Annan was created purposely to serve the world which he managed to accomplish most of them.

“Kofi Annan was a very good friend of mine whose leadership skills was exceptional. I see his legacy as very extraordinary and that which will never be forgotten. He really lived an exemplary life and I believe that opened doors for Ghana,” he said while sharing fond memories of the former global leader.

The UN Chief passed on in Switzerland on August 18, 2018, after a short illness.

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Describing the death as very shocking, the former president said he was proud of working with Kofi Annan.

He said the 80-year-old Ghanaian diplomat having served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006, revitalized the UN and gave priority to human rights.

Mr Kufuor also recognized Mr Annan’s commitment to the struggle of containing the spread of HIV in Africa and his declared opposition to international terrorism.

Kofi Annan’s work at the UN

Kofi Annan joined the UN in 1962, working for the World Health Organization’s Geneva office.

He went on to work in several capacities at the UN Headquarters including serving as the Under-Secretary-General for peacekeeping between March 1992 and December 1996.

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He was appointed as the Secretary-General on 13 December 1996 by the Security Council and later confirmed by the General Assembly, making him the first officeholder to be elected from the UN staff itself.

He was re-elected for a second term in 2001 and was succeeded as Secretary-General by Ban Ki-moon on 1 January 2007.

As the Secretary-General, Annan reformed the UN bureaucracy; worked to combat HIV, especially in Africa; and launched the UN Global Compact.

A former Chief executive Officer of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has said he never attached credence to a presidential pardon he received in 2009 while serving a five-year jail term.

Tsatsu Tsikata said he had applied for bail pending appeal of the crime he was imprisoned for, and although the trial judge refused that application, the Appeals Court reversed the decision in December 2008, the same year he was imprisoned.

“…the matter was referred back to the High Court and in January or February 2009, another High Court granted bail,” he told Joy News’ Gifty Andoh Appiah, Monday.

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Mr Tsikata was refuting some reports that had suggested that he refused the pardon handed to him by the then President John Agyekum Kufuor but had walked free all the while.

According to Mr Tsikata, the prisons officials who were deployed to the hospital were withdrawn after the pardon.

“So I couldn’t have driven back to Nswam Prison to submit myself, my lovely wife drove me back home when the hospital discharged me,” he said.

Since then he has been in a legal path to have his name cleared by the courts. He stated that a font size gaffe also contributed to the delay of the case.

“At that time…the judges determined that the font size was too small and it had to be redone. Unfortunately, it took another six years…,” he said.

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In July 2016, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawyer was cleared of the charges and was acquitted and discharged.

“So I didn’t rely on the pardon in any way. I rejected the pardon and went through the legal process [and] got my bail pending appeal…” he said.

Speaking of how he engaged himself during the period, Mr Tsikata said he was involved in the oil and gas sector.

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Watch the video of the interaction above: