Former President, John Agyekum Kufuor emphasized the importance of demonstrating transparency and accountability in the discharge of duties. These qualities, he stated, are essential for effective leadership.
To transform society for the better, the former President highlighted the significance of quality public service that upholds inclusiveness and rejects all forms of discrimination.
Speaking at a special honorary awards’ ceremony at Valley View University in the Greater Accra Region, under the theme of ‘Maintaining Excellence, Integrity and Service in an Era of Global Instability and Permissiveness,’ Former President Kufuor stressed the role of individual citizens as the true sovereign authority in a democracy.
The event saw the university conferring honorary doctorate degrees on notable African personalities, including President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Former Chief of Staff Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, and a citation presented to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
These individuals were recognized for their selfless dedication to humanity and their exceptional contributions to various fields, such as education, health, peace-building, youth and women’s development, good governance, democracy, and mentorship.
Former President Kufuor emphasized the commonality among the awardees in their commitment to public service and their unwavering belief in human dignity. He also highlighted the significance of addressing development challenges and meeting the aspirations of the people as crucial elements of good governance for African leaders.
Overall, the event celebrated exemplary individuals who have made a positive impact on society and underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusive public service in fostering progress and development.
He advised: “The theme should guide us to maintain excellence, integrity and service in an era of global instability and permissiveness.
“The key to ourselves is to begin to act rightly under all circumstances. Firstly, we have to do right by the laws of the land. Then, we must also be guided to being aware of and appreciation of our nations’ position in the global context. And, finally, we must uphold the centrality of humanity in all our worthy endeavours wherever we find ourselves. Living by this tenet would not be a mean task to do, but surely, you will have fulfilled your conscience.”