Ghana's Ex-President: Use Natural Wealth for Education

Ghana's former president has a bold vision for turning the nation's natural wealth into prosperity that reaches every citizen.

John Agyekum Kufuor told Joy News this week that Ghana's abundant resources should guarantee quality education, healthcare, and a safety net for the most vulnerable. The country sits on vast deposits of gold, lithium, bauxite, and manganese that could transform millions of lives.

"We must ensure that all the children of this land are given some of the finest education you can get anywhere," Kufuor said Wednesday on PM Express. He placed education at the heart of his 50-year vision for Ghana's young people, alongside accessible healthcare and support for those facing hardship.

The former leader emphasized that even Ghanaians without jobs shouldn't live in poverty given the country's rich natural endowment. He pointed to the nation's resources and its people's proven abilities as a strong foundation for building shared prosperity.

But Kufuor's vision extends beyond government programs. He urged current leaders to create space for entrepreneurs to build wealth and businesses without facing excessive taxation.

"Let the people become millionaires, legitimately. Why not let them keep their millions, paying their reasonable taxes?" he asked. He warned against policies that discourage initiative and stifle the private sector's growth.

The Ripple Effect

Kufuor's framework could reshape how Ghana approaches development. By combining smart resource management with entrepreneur-friendly policies, the country could attract both local and international investment while funding crucial social programs.

The former president believes Ghana's openness and its citizens' ability to learn and work together position the nation for success. Ghanaians have already distinguished themselves abroad, proving their capabilities on the global stage.

He sees the state's primary role as creating conditions that empower people to succeed. A mature private sector combined with inclusive governance could unlock opportunities that benefit everyone from schoolchildren to business owners.

Kufuor acknowledged a gap between Ghana's potential and its current reality. "We tend to be open-minded and liberal, but that's not how we've lived so far," he admitted.

His message offers hope that the right leadership can bridge that gap and build a Ghana where natural wealth serves the common good.