Kufuor Scholars Program Marks 10th Anniversary
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
The Kufuor Scholars Program has celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of nurturing transformational leadership among Ghana’s youth.
The program was launched in 2015 by the John A. Kufuor Foundation. It is a three-year leadership development initiative tailored for Ghanaian university students. It aims to raise a new generation of leaders who are patriotic, selfless, community-driven, and equipped with ethical decision-making and innovative problem-solving skills.
At the 10th anniversary celebration, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor who is also the Chairman of the Foundation emphasized the importance of leadership in national and global development.
“The greatest challenge facing the world today is not technology or resources but the ethics of human beings. We need leaders with integrity, compassion, and a sense of duty,” he said.
The former president also expressed his joy at the increasing number of women participating in the Scholars Program. He said their active involvement reflects growing strides in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“It’s refreshing to see so many young ladies in this program. This year’s scholars came to visit me and I saw 21 beautiful ladies with 9 giant boys accompanying them. This shows that we are moving in the right direction toward balanced and inclusive leadership,” he added.
President Kufuor used the occasion to make a heartfelt appeal to stakeholders, urging them to support the Foundation in constructing a dedicated mentoring and leadership development center.
“We need a permanent facility that can serve as a hub for training and reflection. Such a center will help us reach more young people across the country and deepen the impact of this program,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, highlighted some of the remarkable achievements chalked up by the program over the past decade.
He noted that many of the scholars who passed through the initiative have gone on to make significant contributions in various sectors, both in Ghana and internationally.
“Our alumni are working in government institutions, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector. Some have started social enterprises, others are leading policy advocacy, and many are already mentoring younger people in their communities,” he said.
Professor Agyeman-Duah said the program’s success is a testament to the power of intentional leadership development, especially when young people are given the right opportunities, guidance, and support.
He emphasized that the Scholars Program doesn’t just focus on academic excellence but seeks to mold character, discipline, civic responsibility, and a deep sense of national duty.
Over the past ten years, the Kufuor Scholars Program has mentored and trained university students from across Ghana, equipping them with the tools to drive change in their communities and beyond. As the program enters its second decade, the Foundation says it remains committed to its mission of raising ethical and visionary leaders for Ghana and the African continent.
