Former President, John Agyekum Kufuor, has called on politicians to respect Ghana’s democratic structures and stop acting as though winning an election gives them control of the country.
He said bodies such as Parliament, the courts, the press and other independent state institutions must be safeguarded to keep Ghana’s democracy credible and accountable.
Speaking as Life Patron of the Busia Institute, Mr Kufuor delivered the remarks at the 2026 Busia Institute Lecture in London themed, “Centre-Right Political Thought in Africa: The Ghanaian Experience.”
“An opponent remains a fellow citizen and a temporary majority does not own the republic,” Mr Kufuor said.
He noted that Ghana’s centre-right heritage has long been built on constitutional rule, rule of law, press freedom, private sector growth, social responsibility and decentralised governance.
Mr Kufuor emphasised that robust institutions were critical to protecting democracy and checking the misuse of power. His address was part of broader conversations at the lecture on how Ghana’s political traditions continue to shape national progress.The event, hosted at the London Hilton on Park Lane, marked the first time the Busia Institute Lecture was held outside Ghana.
It drew diplomats, MPs, Ghanaian professionals, members of the diaspora and other attendees. The programme also included a screening of the documentary “Busia in His Own Words” and a photo exhibition showcasing archival material from the era of Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia’s administration.
