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Ghana’s President from 7 January 2001 until 7 January 2009 was John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor (born 8 December 1938), a Ghanaian politician. In addition, from 2007 to 2008, he presided over the African Union.
The first peaceful democratic transfer of power in Ghana since independence in 1957 was made possible by his victory against John Evans Atta Mills after Jerry Rawlings’ second term came to an end.
In the parties descended from the United Gold Coast Convention and the United Party, Kufuor spent the majority of his career on the liberal-democratic side of Ghanaian politics. He is an attorney and businessman who served as a minister in Kofi Abrefa Busia’s Progress Party administration during Ghana’s Second Republic and an opposition frontbencher for the Popular Front Party during that country’s Third Republic. The New Patriotic Party’s candidate in the 1996 election of the Fourth Republic was Kufuor, who later led the party to victories in 2000 and 2004. He retired from politics in 2008 after two stints in office. He is frequently referred to as the Gentle Giant.
Early Life and Education:
John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor was born on December 8, 1938, in Kumasi, Ghana. He attended the Prempeh College in Kumasi for his secondary education. He later pursued higher education at the University of Ghana, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1964.
Political Career:
Kufuor’s political career began in the late 1960s when he joined the Progress Party, led by Kofi Abrefa Busia. Following a series of political changes in Ghana, he served in various positions within different governments, including as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Minister of Finance. In 1998, he was elected as the presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Presidency (2001-2009):
John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor was elected as the President of Ghana in December 2000 and assumed office on January 7, 2001. During his presidency, he focused on economic reforms, poverty reduction, and improving Ghana’s infrastructure. He was re-elected for a second term in 2004, serving until January 7, 2009.
Awards and Honors:
Kufuor received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Chatham House Prize in 2008 and the World Food Prize in 2011 for his efforts in promoting food security.
Personal Life:
John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor is married to Theresa Kufuor, and they have five children together. He is known for his calm and affable demeanor, which contributed to his popularity in Ghana.
Post-Presidency:
After leaving office in 2009, Kufuor remained active in politics and continued to be a prominent figure within the New Patriotic Party. He has also been involved in various international organizations and initiatives, particularly those related to development, democracy, and peace.
