Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has long argued that Ghana is not a “poor country” but rather a nation with vast, underutilized resources. In his speeches, he has repeatedly highlighted that Ghana’s natural endowment—gold, land, and other assets—has not translated into prosperity for all.
Kufuor warns that without effective governance, resource wealth may remain a curse rather than a blessing. At a policy forum, he noted that abundant natural resources require discipline, accountability, and institutional strength to drive national development.
He has also urged governments to structure national wealth so it benefits the general population, not just a privileged few. According to him, good governance means more than economic growth—it means inclusion, the creation of jobs, and tangible improvements in people’s lives.
By stressing both the country’s potential and the systemic obstacles that prevent that potential from being realized, Kufuor’s message challenges fatalistic narratives. He encourages Ghanaians to demand responsible leadership and to believe that their country can turn its natural riches into shared prosperity.
