Why I Invited Rawlings – Kufour

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged Ghanaians to put aside all past and negative attitudes as well as personal differences that have the ability to retard the economic progress of Ghana.

According to him, it was about time Ghanaians took a cue from the unity that prevailed among politicians, particularly former leaders of this country, to pursue the development of Ghana collectively.

Citing his invitation of former President Jerry John Rawlings to the launch of the Kufuor Foundation at the University of Ghana, as a reference, he said he wanted Ghanaians to understand that what he was embarking upon was non-partisan and that the progress of the economy was everyone’s responsibility.

Mr Kufuor said he felt extremely happy that his predecessor accepted the invitation and duly honoured it “because I realized that I have embarked on a good vision that has been accepted by all.”

He made these known on Thursday when he was called by the host of Peace FM’s morning show, ‘Kokrokoo’, to express his feelings on the launch of the John A. Kufuor Foundation.

When he was asked by the host if Ghanaians should take it that there was no problem or tension between him and ex-president Rawlings, he replied in the affirmative, adding, “I was very happy when I saw him.”

The launch of the John A. Kufuor Foundation on Tuesday was well-attended by a host of dignitaries across the political divide and academia, including former President Jerry John Rawlings.

The presence of former President Rawlings generated a lot of excitement among the audience, perhaps given the cold cordiality that has existed between the two Ghanaian statesmen.

President Kufuor reiterated that the John A. Kufuor Foundation sought to establish good leaders by creating a centre of distinction that would train budding world leaders in all facets of human endeavour.

According to him, the foundation was premised on three inter-related pillars: Leadership, Governance and Development.

The foundation, he noted, would collaborate with state institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, the media and development partners in order to achieve its vision of effective leadership, democratic governance and sustainable development in Africa.

It will as well focus on economic development and social development, bringing in the expertise of international leaders in areas such as economic diversification, debt relief, public private partnerships and the provision of social safety nets, to provide the critical tools needed to ensure sustainable development for countries and businesses across Africa.

“Anyone who will come to the centre or spend one or two years will really get something even if the person does not get a certificate. The issuing of certificates is not our priority because we have realized that most people try to acquire certificates without having the competent skills.

“We want to influence quality of life to the whole world as the scholars or people who will pass through the centre will really gain some form of knowledge,” he emphasised.

President Kufuor commended the media, who in diverse ways ensured the successful launching of the foundation.