Accra, Ghana – With the December elections fast approaching, former President John Agyekum Kufuor has issued a compelling call to action for Ghanaian youth, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.
Speaking at the launch of the Kufuor Scholars Foundation’s voter campaign, Kufuor highlighted the importance of active youth participation in the democratic process.
“Ghana alone has about 30 million citizens, and with your learning and mature brain power, if you act as responsible citizens to ensure good and inclusive leadership, Ghana will turn around and be emulated on the continent of Africa,” Kufuor stated. His appeal comes at a crucial time, as voter apathy remains a significant concern.
In the 2020 elections, although over 17 million Ghanaians registered to vote, only 13 million actually turned out, reflecting a troubling trend of disengagement. Economic hardships, misgovernance, and general voter apathy have been cited as key factors for the low turnout. A recent survey by the Kufuor Scholars Foundation revealed that 43% of 1,000 Ghanaians plan not to vote in the upcoming December 7 election, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
The Kufuor Scholars Programme, under the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation, has teamed up with the National Commission for Civic Education to launch a comprehensive voter campaign. This initiative aims to boost education and awareness about the critical importance of voting, particularly among the youth.
“With over 70% of the youth population, you will be unstoppable if you become committed to doing what is right,” Kufuor added, urging young Ghanaians to harness their potential and take charge of their civic responsibilities.
Earlier this year, President Kufuor endorsed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the December elections, expressing his strong belief in Bawumia’s leadership capabilities. Recalling a personal anecdote from 2002, Kufuor shared his first encounter with the now-NPP flagbearer, who was then a research assistant for the governor of the Bank of Ghana in London.
“I have come to bear witness to the candidate who is being inaugurated today. I have always seen him as a man of destiny. When I first saw him in 2002, he was just a research assistant for the governor of the Bank of Ghana in London,” Kufuor remarked. He revealed that Bawumia’s potential was evident even then, predicting a bright future for the young man.
As the election date nears, Kufuor’s call to action serves as a powerful reminder of the youth’s critical role in Ghana’s democratic process. The efforts of the Kufuor Scholars Foundation and the National Commission for Civic Education aim to ensure that this message resonates across the nation, driving higher voter turnout and fostering a more engaged and informed electorate.
