President John Agyekum Kufuor

John Agyekum Kufuor is a former President of the Republic of Ghana who served two successful terms from 2001 to 2009. Often referred to as the “Gentle Giant” for his calm and consensus-driven leadership style, he guided Ghana through a period of major economic reform, democratic consolidation, and renewed international engagement. His administration introduced transformative policies such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), expanded basic education, and deepened private-sector development while strengthening national institutions.

President Kufuor also elevated Ghana’s standing on the global stage, serving as Chair of ECOWAS and later Chair of the African Union, where he championed regional integration, peacebuilding, and good governance. His commitment to development and human welfare earned him global recognition, including the prestigious World Food Prize, along side several honorary doctorates and international awards.

President Kufuor’s role as Patron of AFDEG extends beyond symbolic endorsement. It positions the Forum within a framework of leadership that emphasizes good governance, accountability, and continental integration. Through his personal networks across governments, multilateral organisations, and philanthropic institutions, he will serve as a bridge-builder, ensuring that AFDEG secures the visibility and partnerships required for long-term success. Furthermore, the collaboration with the John A. Kufuor Foundation provides AFDEG with an institutional partner dedicated to governance excellence, youth empowerment, and policy innovation. This partnership ensures that AFDEG’s outputs—from toolkits and policy papers to training programmes—are actively disseminated and adopted across the continent.

After leaving office, President Kufuor established the John A. Kufuor Foundation to advance leadership development and socio-economic transformation across Africa. He remains one of the continent’s most respected statesmen, continuing to inspire and influence policy, governance, and youth leadership initiatives globally.