John Kufuor, former President of Ghana, delivered the keynote address at Delaware State University’s 2015 Commencement Sunday.
In addition to speaking to the graduates, Kufuor, the first former head of state to visit the school, also spoke to about 100 people at a town hall on DSU’s Dover campus.
Kufuor’s message in each case emphasized the importance of leadership.
“This is what I’m trying to do for the youth. This is the legacy I want to leave to the youth, not only of Ghana, but of Africa," said Kufuor. "Prepare your self, nurture yourself into leadership so you go out to add value to the quality of life of your people."
Town hall attendees asked Kufuor various questions, including how to end corruption and what people can do to elevate the global status of Africa as a whole.
Kufor says that's where cultivating leadership becomes essential.
Africa does not lack at all in terms of natural resources. And then, of course, we have some very good people, but I find that perhaps the thing that is really in short supply has been good leadership," said Kufuor.
Kufour, who served two terms as Ghana’s president starting in 2001, says good leaders breed good governance - and with it the sense of inclusion that motivates people to action.
He is credited with making advancements in the country’s educational system and pioneering a microlending program during Dhis time in office in Ghana.
