Former President of Ghana - John Agyekum Kofi Kufour has turned 80 years today, Saturday, December 8, 2018.

Mr Kufuor was the second president of the fourth republic and served two terms in office.

He was elected as the chairman of the African Union between January 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008.

Under his leadership, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was implemented to cater for the health needs of citizens, replacing the 'cash-and-carry' system.

He also introduced the capitation grant for school children at the basic level, and started the Ghana School Feeding Programme for pupils in public primary schools.

Mr Kufuor has many accolades including: The Knight Commander of the Order of Bath of the UK, conferred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and Order of the House of Orange, conferred by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

President Kufuor presently is a senior statesman in the country.

Early life


An Asante, Kufuor married Theresa Kufuor in 1962; they have five children together. Kufuor and his family belong to the Roman Catholic Church, and is a Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England Freemasons.

He was born in Kumasi and was educated at Osei Tutu Boarding school (Osei Tutu Senior High School) from 1951-1953, Prempeh College from 1954 to 1958, Lincoln's Inn, London (1959–1961) and Exeter College, Oxford (1961–64).

In the Second Republic's Parliamentary Register Kufuor lists as his hobbies and interests table tennis, reading, football, and film shows.

He was once the Chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko Football Club.

Source: Ghanaguardian.com