Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged political actors to protect Ghana’s democratic institutions and avoid treating electoral victories as ownership of the state.

He said institutions including Parliament, the judiciary, the media and other independent constitutional bodies must be allowed to operate effectively to safeguard democracy, accountability and the rule of law.

Mr Kufuor, Life Patron of the Busia Institute, made the call at the 2026 Busia Institute Lecture in London, held on the theme, “Centre-Right Political Thought in Africa: The Ghanaian Experience.”

“An opponent remains a fellow citizen, and a temporary majority does not own the republic,” Mr Kufuor said.

He said Ghana’s centre-right political tradition had historically been rooted in constitutional government, liberty under the law, a free press, private enterprise, social responsibility and decentralisation.

Mr Kufuor stressed that strong institutions were essential to preventing the abuse of political power and ensuring that democratic governance remained responsive to citizens.

His comments formed part of discussions on the relevance of Ghana’s political traditions and their contribution to the country’s democratic and socio-economic development.

The lecture, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane, was the first Busia Institute Lecture to be organised outside Ghana and brought together diplomats, Members of Parliament, Ghanaian professionals, members of the diaspora and other guests.

The event also featured a screening of the documentary *Busia in His Own Words* and a photographic exhibition showcasing historical materials from the period of Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia’s government.