President Akufo-Addo has paid glowing tribute to Ghana’s former president John Agyekum Kufuor as the latter turned 80 over the weekend.

Speaking at an event to mark Kufuor’s 80th birthday, Akufo-Addo described him as the most successful of the Dankwa-Busia-Dombo tradition, on whose foundation the New Patriotic Party stands.

“In addition to the massive infrastructural development undertaken during his time as president, major social interventions to protect the vulnerable in society bear his signature. This includes the National Youth Employment Programme, the School Feeding Programme, Capitation Grant, the National Health Insurance School, Free Maternal Care, introduction of the Metro Mass Transit Transport Service and the introduction of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme under which welfare grants were paid to the extreme poor and vulnerable. Undoubtedly, he is the most successful leader of the Dankwa-Busia-Dombo political tradition,” Akufo-Addo said.

Nana Addo stressed that the achievements of Kufuor during his time as president, were unmatched and his legacy will forever be remembered.

Former president John Agyekum Kufuor, who governed Ghana between 2001 to 2009, celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday December 8.

The colourful birthday celebration event at his residence in Accra saw many NPP bigwigs, friends and family present.

Also at the celebration, a brand new trophy for the first ever J.A. Kufuor Cup match was outdoored.

The competition would see Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Ashantigold play at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, December 30.

Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, Chief Executive Officer of J.A. Kufour Foundation, who presented the trophy to the former president, said the brand new trophy was an indication of their readiness for the match.

“This is the trophy that would be at stake between the two sides that would compete for the J.A. Kufuor Cup Match. “We are pleased to present this beautiful trophy to you and to seek your blessing,” he added.

Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, former President, expressed appreciation to the organisers for putting together the match.