Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has expressed deep concern over what he perceives as his increasing exclusion from critical affairs of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), warning against sidelining experienced leaders based solely on age.
Now 86, the respected statesman made his sentiments known during a recent interaction with Abetifi MP and NPP flagbearer aspirant, Dr. Bryan Acheampong. In a candid conversation, Kufuor questioned why veteran voices like his are no longer being heard within the party’s top circles.
“Have I declined to the point where I can be dismissed or overlooked? My faculties are intact. I’m no relic. I deserve at least to be consulted,” he said pointedly.
Reflecting on his long political journey, Kufuor recalled entering Parliament in 1969 at the age of 30 and later serving as Deputy Minister under Prime Minister K.A. Busia. His career, he noted, was marked by sacrifice—highlighting his imprisonment at Ussher Fort for over a year following the 1972 coup that overthrew the Busia government.
“How many of today’s leaders can say they’ve paid such a price?” he asked.
Kufuor led the NPP to power in 2000, ushering in a historic democratic transition. Yet, two decades later, he says he feels increasingly pushed to the margins, despite playing a pivotal role in building the party’s foundations.
“If there are elders in this party, I am surely one,” he asserted, emphasizing that age should never be used as a reason to dismiss wisdom and institutional memory.
Sources close to the former President reveal that he has submitted a formal petition to the party’s leadership, raising concerns about internal decision-making and recent transitional processes. In response, an emergency National Council meeting has been scheduled for Monday, July 14.
