My generation owes young people mentorship – Kufuor

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has stated that his generation owes it to young people to provide mentorship and share the lessons from their long journey in public life. Speaking on Joy News' PM Express, Kufuor highlighted how rapid technological advancements have left today's youth with little time to follow the extensive apprenticeship that shaped his career.

He emphasized the importance of intergenerational evolution in society and the responsibility of the older generation to package their experiences. Kufuor recounted his own path, which involved moving from studying law to legal practice and various responsibilities. He pointed out that his journey was not a quick one and required time, unlike the accelerated pace of the current generation.

With the rise of artificial intelligence and other technologies, Kufuor believes that older people must make their experience accessible to the next generation. He also challenged the notion that today's youth are unprepared, citing their education and technology access as advantages over his generation. Kufuor noted that back in the 1950s and 1960s, telephones were scarce, and people had to learn more slowly.

He sees mentorship as a means to combine modern advantages with the practical lessons older generations have acquired. The John A. Kufuor Foundation carries out this mission through its Kufuor Scholars Program, which offers leadership training, mentorship, and practical activities to nurture patriotic, ethical, and community-minded leaders who can contribute to national development. The program includes leadership camps, internships, and personal projects.