Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged political actors to protect Ghana’s democratic institutions and refrain from treating electoral victories as ownership of the state.
He said Parliament, the judiciary, the media and other independent constitutional institutions must be protected to ensure that Ghana’s democracy remains strong and accountable.
Mr Kufuor, Life Patron of the Busia Institute, made the call at the 2026 Busia Institute Lecture in London, held on the theme, “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 said Ghana’s centre-right political tradition had historically been anchored in constitutional government, liberty under the law, a free press, private enterprise, social responsibility and decentralisation.
Mr Kufuor stressed the importance of strong institutions in safeguarding democratic governance and preventing the abuse of political power.
His comments formed part of discussions at the lecture on the relevance of Ghana’s political traditions and their contribution to the country’s development.
The lecture, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane, was the first edition of the Busia Institute Lecture to be held outside Ghana and attracted diplomats, Members of Parliament, Ghanaian professionals, members of the diaspora and other guests.
The event also featured the documentary “Busia in His Own Words” and a photographic exhibition highlighting historical material from the period of Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia’s government.
