President Nana Akufo-Addo has described his former boss, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, as “an outstanding Ghanaian Statesman” on the occasion of his 81^st birthday.

In a post on his Instagram handle, the President lauded Mr Kufuor for his achievements. 

View this post on Instagram

Happy 81st birthday to that outstanding Ghanaian Statesman, the 2nd President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor.

A post shared by Nana Akufo-Addo (@nakufoaddo) on Dec 8, 2019 at 2:47am PST

Also wishing the former First Gentleman good wishes is the New Patriotic Party (NPP) which prayed for “happiness and blessing” for him.

In a press statement signed by the Communications Director, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, the party praised Mr Kufuor for his excellent leadership during his tenure in office.

“During his reign, he introduced far-reaching social policies which have irreversibly advanced the progress of this country and its people,” the press read.

Read full birthday message below:

Happy birthday former President J. A Kufuor

On this auspicious occasion of his 81st Birthday, the NPP wishes Former President Kufuor, every happiness and blessing. We are very proud of his leadership of our party and our nation.

During his reign, he introduced far-reaching social policies that have irreversibly advanced the progress of this country and its people. He will always be remembered for decriminalising free speech; introducing the seminal and unprecedented Health Insurance system in our country; introducing capitation grant, school feeding, free maternal health care; and the Metro Mass Transport.

Mr Kufuor stabilised the Cedi and supervised the discovery of the almighty Oil in commercial quantities for our country. He supervised the elections of the 2008 and smooth transfer of power, the second only time in the Fourth Republic.

After his retirement from the presidency, he has received and continue to receive many international awards and recognition, thus bringing more glory to our country. The Former President remains a pillar of stability not only in our party but in our country and continent.

As we celebrate our former President, we entreat Ghanaians, especially, the rank and file of our party to always be reminded by the advice he gave when he addressed the 25th Annual Delegates’ Conference of the party in August 2017, at the University of Cape Coast.

The ex-President asked Ghanaians to exercise patience as the Government was implementing policies and programmes that would inure to their benefits in a few years’ time.

He made an analogy of a farmer who acquired 10-acre farmland to cultivate cassava, which would take more than a year to harvest and, therefore, advised Ghanaians not to be deceived by political propagandists claiming that the Akufo-Addo led Government was delaying in delivering on its promises. He said any genuine government would set the right foundation in terms of policies and programmes before any meaningful impact would be made.

On this happy occasion of his 81st Birthday, we can only pray for God to grant him more years of wisdom and every blessing. The Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition will forever be grateful to him.

Happy Birthday Former President John Agyekum Kufuor. You remain the ‘Gentle Giant’

 …signed…

Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Esq. (MP)

(Director of Communications)