Kufuor prays for strength at 80 years

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor prayed for strength during his 80th birthday celebrated by President Akufo-Addo and others at the Jubilee House in his honour.

The new seat of government, the Jubilee House, was constructed during the tenure of former President Kufuor.

He was overwhelmed by the large number of relations and friends who thronged his residence at the Airport Residential Area in Accra on Saturday to celebrate his birthday.

At a point, he literally begged his handlers to take him to the room since he could not handle the large number of visitors.

He said he did something good during his political career to attract the love of many people in the country.

President Kufuor also prayed against loss of sight, hearing and teeth in the coming years.

“Even as I thank our President, First Lady and all of you for this love you are showing me and the prayers you are piling on me, I will request that as God extends the time for me, He should ensure all these for me,” he said to the gathering, who burst into laughter.

On his part, President Akufo-Addo, who served as Ministers of Justice and Attorney General and Foreign Affairs under the previous Kufuor administration, extolled the virtues of the former president.

He also commended his leadership style and described him as “one of the most outstanding statesmen our country has produced.”

President Akufo-Addo also cited the massive infrastructure development under the leadership of Mr Kufuor, saying “major social interventions to protect the vulnerable in our society bear his signature; these include the National Youth Employment Programme, the School Feeding Programme, the Capitation Grant, the National Health Insurance Scheme, Free Maternal Care, introduction of Metro Mass Transit Transport Service.”

“Undoubtedly, he’s been the most successful leader of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo Tradition,” he emphasised.

He proposed a toast for long life and prosperity for former President Kufuor.