Ghana’s Mentorship System Needs Transformation — Former Prez. Kufuor
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has stressed the urgent need to overhaul and strengthen Ghana’s mentorship and coaching landscape to prepare a new generation of globally competitive leaders. His call comes amid concerns that the country risks losing its developmental momentum without deliberate investment in structured guidance for young people.
Mr. Kufuor made the statement during a high-level stakeholder dialogue on the establishment of a Mentor Coaching Academy (MCA), held at his residence. The initiative is expected to spearhead a national drive toward building a strong leadership pipeline rooted in discipline, innovation, and values-driven excellence.
According to the former president, Ghana’s full developmental potential rests heavily on its human capital. He noted that while the country has remarkable talent, progress will remain limited unless experienced and accomplished professionals commit to inspiring, coaching, and equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive.
He described the mentorship agenda as transformative, adding that it would not only support young people to navigate the world of work but also position Ghana to remain competitive in a fast-changing global economic environment.
The proposed Mentor Coaching Academy is an initiative of the John A. Kufuor Foundation in partnership with the British Council. The academy will build a nationwide community of seasoned leaders who will guide young people to become job-ready, innovative, and future-focused. It is expected to deliver mentorship in employability, entrepreneurship, and academic development, with a major emphasis on inclusion for persons with disabilities.
As part of its core mandate, members of the academy will leverage their networks to create internship and employment opportunities for young people, particularly those living with disabilities. This objective aligns with the government’s Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disability program, and seeks to ensure that empowerment extends beyond schooling into the labor market.
Mr. Kufuor stressed that Ghana’s rapidly evolving economic landscape requires leaders who are adaptable, technologically aware, and exposed to international best practices. The academy, he said, can play a crucial role in shaping such leaders by offering hands-on learning, continuous coaching, and access to real-world opportunities.
The inaugural dialogue brought together leadership development experts, academics, youth empowerment advocates, private sector leaders and international partners, all united in pushing for a more sustainable mentorship ecosystem in the country.
Representatives of the British Council reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ghana to develop a mentorship framework that guarantees equal access and opportunities for all young people, irrespective of their background or abilities.
In the coming months, the Mentor Coaching Academy will begin nationwide engagements, campus outreach programs, and the creation of industry-specific mentoring clusters. Organisers say the launch represents the beginning of a long-term national vision to strengthen Ghana’s leadership pipeline and nurture a generation of confident, well-rounded, and globally competitive young people dedicated to contributing meaningfully to national progress.
