The Kufuor Scholars Program has launched a new youth development platform dubbed the Kufuor Scholars Associates to empower more young people in the country to become transformational leaders.

The Kufuor Scholars Associates seek to expand on the training and mentorship the John A. Kufuor Foundation set up by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, gives young people through the Kufuor Scholars Program.

Inaugurating the Kufuor Scholars Associates over the weekend, Deputy CEO of the John A. Kufuor Foundation Nana Ama Oppong – Duah said “we want to reach more young people.”

“What is it about you that will make you resilient and strive for excellence even when things are really tough, and the situation is very dire?” she quizzed the hundreds of students who had gathered virtually for the inauguration.

“What in you will make you go beyond the degree that everybody is doing? It's what I call the X-factor. That extraordinary thing in you. That is what the Kufuor Scholars Associates offers you.

"It gives you something else that everyone doesn’t have. That extra thing in you that keeps making you push for success, excellence, and leadership,” she added.

The Kufuor Scholars Program on annual basis recruits 20 to 30 first-year students as scholars, who go through mentorship and coaching initiatives over a 3-year period. 

The program seeks to imbibe the former president’s effective leadership in these tertiary-level students known as Kufuor Scholars, so they can help develop the nation. 

The Kufuor Scholars Associate is an extended arm of the scholars' program. It will have a chapter on all university campuses where Kufuor Scholars are schooling, so more students can benefit from the mentorship.

Gail Cann-Woode, one of the Kufuor Scholars explained the associates will be taken through a “series of training and orientation” so they can “become transformational leaders in the future.”  

Abigail Yayra Asafo urged more tertiary students to join the associates’ network, explaining the membership of all associates will be renewed annually.

Scholars’ testimonies

Enoch Justice Arthur who is a member of the Kufuor Scholars Progam Class of 2022 said the program has benefitted him hugely over the last 3 years.

“Being part of this family has changed many things in my life. KSP provided a neutral ground for us to show the best in ourselves. There is fairness and integrity. Having been in this program for three years, I have learned to prioritise efficiently. To stay focused and organized. To be confident in my abilities. And to push me beyond my comfort limits to bring the best in me,” he said.

Patience Derry of the class of 2024 said her participation in the program has encouraged her to learn how to better plan her life goals and career goals. Another scholar Samuel Tufuor shared a similar testimony.

“From the first year to my final year, I have seen a drastic change you won't get anywhere. I have also expanded my network,” he said.

A Kufuor Scholars Program (KSP) alumni Aaron Atimpe urged the associates to take good advantage of their connections to the program.

“Make very use of the networks that KSP gives. Be courageous and bold, but of course, be respectful. Defend what you have to say and take responsibility when you have to,” he told the students.

Renowned author Dr Samuel Koranteng - Pipim who is the writer of the book, “The African Giant: Risky Or at Risk,” told the students the African continent needs them.

“Africa’s greatest resources are not in the ground but those that walk on the ground. The resources are not gold, diamond, etc, but reside in its people. Of these, the continent’s most untapped resources are its youth,” he observed.

He urged African youth to strive for excellence. “Africa’s mission is in your hands… Your mission as young Africans requires that you groom yourselves to be the best that you can be, using global standards.

"Your physical address might be in your local village, but your performance address should be on the world stage. Work steadily toward that global arena,” he said.

“Increase the number of world-class performances that the world has previously enjoyed from Africa in the area of sports, science and technology, arts, culture, and agriculture. Excellence should be your watchword,” Dr Koranteng – Pipim added.

Dr Pascal Brenya who is the coordinator of the Kufuor Scholars Program urged the young people to practice what they hear and not only be listeners.

“The thing is not just learning. But waking up and practising what you have heard. Our mission is to distract the status quo. It's not about plenty of learning. It's about walking the talk,” he emphasised.