I was recently in Accra, Ghana in connection with my work at the Ashanti Foundation. One of the highlights of the trip was meeting and having lunch with an old Oxford contemporary, HE President John Agyekum Kufuor.
President Kufuor, who served two distinguished terms as President of Ghana (2001-2009), remains one of the most respected political figures in the country. His presidency was marked by significant economic reforms which enabled Ghana to achieve middle-income status in 2006. He introduced several groundbreaking social policies such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Capitation Grant, an initiative to provide financial support and access to basic education. Additionally, his administration invested heavily in roads, energy, and water projects which materially boosted economic growth
It was a great pleasure to reminisce about our days at Exeter College, Oxford, and to reflect on the journey that took him from those historic halls to the Presidency.
I was also reminded of our 2023 visit to Exeter College when a small group of his friends had the privilege of accompanying him at the installation of his portrait in the historic college dining hall. The occasion was honoured by the presence of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, together with Oheneba Yaw Otchere of the Ashanti Royal House.
Over lunch, he shared updates on several projects he is spearheading and which are currently underway in Ghana.
It was a privilege to reconnect and to witness first hand the continued influence of a figure whose journey from Oxford to the Presidency continues to command the greatest respect.
#ghana #leadership #oxford #publicservice #africa #exetercollege