The Kufuors: A father's legacy, a son's political ambition

The Kufuors: A father's legacy, a son's political ambition A picture of Ex President John Agyekum Kufuor and son, Edward Edward Agyekum Kufuor, son of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, has officially declared his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Constituency. In a public declaration, Mr Kufuor said his decision followed prayerful reflection and consultations, adding that he was seeking to serve the constituency through practical solutions rather than rely on his family name. Describing Atwima Nwabiagya North as his home, he acknowledged his father's political history in the area but insisted that he was entering the race to earn the confidence of residents and party members on his own merit. "I return not to trade on a name, but to earn your trust through service, strategy and practical solutions for our people," he stated. Kufuor identified poor feeder roads, limited agricultural value addition, youth unemployment and the need for improved social infrastructure as some of the major concerns he intends to address if given the opportunity to represent the constituency in Parliament. He said his priorities would include improving feeder roads to connect farming communities to markets, supporting value addition for cocoa and other food crops, protecting the Barekese catchment area, and advocating quality education and healthcare facilities. He also pledged to pursue job opportunities, skills development and enterprise support programmes to enable young people to build sustainable livelihoods within the constituency. On party affairs, Kufuor said unity and inclusivity would be central to his campaign, stressing the need to work with all factions and levels of the party to maintain the NPP's political strength in the constituency. He pledged to engage current and former constituency executives, polling station executives, electoral area coordinators and grassroots members, while expressing respect for other aspirants seeking the party's parliamentary ticket. Beyond the constituency, Kufuor said he would commit his resources, networks and experience to the NPP's efforts to return to power in the 2028 general elections. He also declared his support for the presidential ambition of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, saying he would work towards securing victory for the party and regaining its parliamentary majority. "Leadership means service, strategy and solutions. Above all, the needs of the people of Atwima Nwabiagya North come first, before personal ambition or family name," he said. Kufuor said he looked forward to engaging party members, traditional authorities and other stakeholders as he begins his campaign, calling for a united and prosperous constituency. His declaration sets the stage for what could become a closely watched NPP parliamentary contest, given his family background and his father's political history in the area. 1\. His father's political history: John Agyekum Kufuor represented the then Atwima Nwabiagya Constituency in Parliament before becoming President of Ghana. The constituency was subsequently divided, meaning the present Atwima Nwabiagya North Constituency did not exist in its current form during his parliamentary career. 2\. The constituency's history: Atwima Nwabiagya North District was established in March 2018 under Legislative Instrument 2327, following its separation from the former Atwima Nwabiagya District. Barekese serves as its administrative capital. 3\. The Barekese catchment issue: Barekese is particularly important because its water treatment facility supplies Kumasi and surrounding communities. The reservoir and treatment works are part of the city's major water supply infrastructure. Protecting the catchment is therefore an environmental and public health concern, not merely a local development proposal. 4\. The NPP's political position in the constituency: At the 2024 parliamentary election, NPP candidate Frank Yeboah retained the seat with 36,925 votes against the NDC's Mba Zechariah Alenbilla, who polled 14,502 votes. Yeboah had also won the NPP's 2024 parliamentary primary with 514 votes against Dickson Osei-Assibey's 255, according to published primary results. - Watch former President Kufuor's heartwarming moment with school pupil - Ex-President Kufuor highlights direct impact of salaries on public sector corruption - 'I never supported Alan against anybody' – Kufuor rejects 2008 bias claims - Kufuor hosts NPP presidential aspirants as he marks 87th birthday - I didn't understand Akufo-Addo's leadership – Former President Kufuor - Read all related articles This article has 45 comment(s), give your comment \\ AFCON 2027: Ghana face qualification crisis as DR Congo, Morocco and Ivory Coast close in on early tickets \\ Vegetable farmers urge government to capture Anloga tomato factory in 2027 budget \\ Agradaa, Angel Asiamah threatens to sue Baaba Cann over marriage claims \\ Ecuador backs Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara, plans ambassador’s visit \\ Science for humanity: World science Day for peace and development Source: GhanaWeb (https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/politics/The-Kufuors-A-father-s-legacy-a-son-s-political-ambition-2060609)