Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has emphasized the need for his generation to mentor young people in Ghana, citing the impact of rapid technological change on their lives. Speaking on Joy News' PM Express, he noted that today's youth have limited time to follow lengthy apprenticeships that shaped his career. Kufuor believes that his generation should package their experiences and share them with young people to aid their development.
Kufuor's comments come in response to concerns about young people's attraction to visible success, such as flashy houses and cars. He explained that he developed in a slower world, where he had time to move from studying law to legal practice, city administration, and other responsibilities. In contrast, today's youth must navigate a fast-paced environment with artificial intelligence and other technologies accelerating change.
The former President highlighted the advantages that today's youth have, including better education and access to technology. He contrasted this with his own experience in the 1950s and 1960s, when telephones were scarce even in Kumasi. Kufuor believes that young people can learn quickly and are better prepared than their ancestors, but require guidance to combine their advantages with practical lessons.
To address this need, Kufuor's foundation, the John A. Kufuor Foundation, has established the Kufuor Scholars Program. The three-year program supplements university education with leadership training, mentorship, coaching, and practical activities. Its aim is to nurture patriotic, ethical, and community-minded leaders who can solve problems and contribute to national development.
The Kufuor Scholars Program includes leadership camps, internships, and personal projects, providing young people with hands-on experience and guidance. Kufuor sees mentorship as a way to help young people gain insights quickly and improve on what their predecessors achieved. He believes that this approach can help Ghana's youth make a positive impact on the country.
Kufuor also challenged assumptions about today's youth being unprepared, citing their education and access to technology as significant advantages. He emphasized that his generation has a responsibility to support and guide young people as they navigate the complexities of modern life. By doing so, Kufuor believes that Ghana's youth can unlock their full potential and drive national development.
The former President's call for mentorship reflects his broader commitment to supporting Ghana's development. Through his foundation, he aims to leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and guide future generations of Ghanaians. By empowering young people with the skills, knowledge, and guidance they need, Kufuor hopes to contribute to a brighter future for Ghana.
Key points
- Former President John Agyekum Kufuor emphasizes the need for mentorship to help Ghana's youth navigate rapid technological change.
