Kufuor: Protect Parliament, Judiciary And Media To Safeguard Ghana’s Democracy

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has cautioned politicians not to treat election wins as a license to take control of the state, and has called for stronger protection of Ghana’s democratic institutions.

Speaking at the 2026 Busia Institute Lecture in London, Mr Kufuor said bodies such as Parliament, the judiciary, the media and other independent constitutional institutions must be safeguarded to keep democracy accountable and resilient.

The lecture, organised by the Busia Institute where he serves as Life Patron, was 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,” he told the gathering.

Mr Kufuor noted that Ghana’s centre-right tradition has been built on constitutional rule, rule of law, a free press, private enterprise, social responsibility and decentralisation. He stressed that strong institutions are key to preventing the abuse of political power.

The event, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane, was the first Busia Institute Lecture outside Ghana. It drew diplomats, Members of Parliament, Ghanaian professionals, members of the diaspora and other guests.

The programme also included a screening of the documentary “Busia in His Own Words” and a photo exhibition featuring materials from the era of Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia’s government.