Personality
John Agyekum Kufuor served as the President of Ghana from January 7, 2001, to January 7, 2009. His tenure was marked by significant achievements across various sectors:
Governance and Political Reforms:
Abolition of the Criminal Libel Law:
- Kufuor’s administration repealed this law, enhancing press freedom in Ghana. This led to the country being ranked 31st globally for press freedom by Reporters Without Borders.
African Peer Review Mechanism:
- Ghana, under Kufuor, was the first country to undergo this process, demonstrating a commitment to good governance.
Peacekeeping Efforts:
- His government actively supported peacekeeping and reconciliation across Africa, contributing to regional stability.
Economic Policies:
Private Sector Development:
- Kufuor’s administration focused on creating an enabling environment for private sector growth, recognizing it as a key driver of economic development.
Infrastructure Development:
- Significant investments were made in infrastructure, including the construction of roads and the expansion of utilities, to support economic activities.
Social Policies:
Health:
National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS):
- Introduced to replace the cash-and-carry system, registering approximately 11 million Ghanaians.
National Ambulance Service:
- Established to improve emergency healthcare delivery.
Healthcare Infrastructure:
- Construction of 205 hospitals and clinics, including a state-of-the-art emergency center at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Free Maternal Healthcare:
- Introduced free medical care for pregnant women in public hospitals.
Education:
Capitation Grant:
- Provided financial support for school children, covering cultural, sports, and development fees.
School Feeding Program:
- Implemented to provide meals to students, enhancing enrollment and retention.
Senior High School Reform:
- Extended the duration from three to four years and initiated the Model School concept to upgrade facilities.
Social Protection:
Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP):
- Introduced to provide direct cash transfers to poor households.
Metro Mass Transport:
- Established to offer reliable and affordable public transportation.
Sports Development:
Infrastructure:
- Construction of new sports stadia in Tamale and Takoradi, and upgrades in Kumasi and Accra, to international standards.
International Competitions:
- Under his leadership, Ghana qualified for its first FIFA World Cup in 2006 and hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008.
Anti-Corruption Measures:
E-Governance:
- Introduced to enhance transparency and reduce corruption.
Procurement Act Improvements:
- Reformed to ensure fairness and accountability in public procurement.
Transparency Legislation:
- Enacted bills such as the Whistleblower Act to protect individuals reporting corruption.
Gender Equality:
Ministry of Women and Children Affairs:
- Established to address issues related to women and children.
Domestic Violence Law:
- Introduced to protect individuals against domestic abuse.
Inclusion of Women in Government:
- Appointed Ghana’s first female Chief Justice, promoting gender inclusion in governance.
Reference:
- https://kufuorfoundation.org/the-kufuor-years-2001-2009-governance-policies-and-achievements/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kufuor