Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, a distinguished former Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia and a former Minister of Defence, was born on July 14, 1940, in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
His illustrious career spanned both the medical and political arenas, marked by significant contributions and leadership.
Dr. Addo-Kufuor‘s academic journey began at Achimota School, where he completed his secondary education. He pursued his passion for medicine at the University College Hospital Medical School in London. In 1970, he earned his medical degree from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
His commitment to advancing his medical knowledge led him to complete his postgraduate studies at the Middlesex Medical School Hospital, London, in 1975.
During his medical career, Dr. Addo-Kufuor worked at several esteemed hospitals in the UK, including West Suffolk General Hospital, Edmonds; St. Charles Hospital, London; Old Church Hospital, Essex; and St. Helier Hospital, London.
He held numerous prominent positions in the medical field, such as Honorary Secretary of the Medical Students Association of Jesus College, Cambridge, and Chairman of the Jesus College United Nations Students Association. His leadership extended to his role as the National President of the Ghana Medical Association and the West African representative on the Confederation of African Medical Associations.
In Ghana, Dr. Addo-Kufuor’s influence was notable as Chairman of Operations for the Prisons Council of Ghana and a Member of the National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He also served as Chairman of the Health Committee of the NPP and as a member of its Policy Advisory Committee.
His expertise in medical education was recognized through his roles as an Inspector of Examinations for the Final Bachelor of Medicine Examinations at the University of Ghana Medical School and as a member of the Board of Examiners for foreign-trained doctors applying to work in Ghana.
As a parliamentarian, Dr. Addo-Kufuor was an active member of several committees, including the House Committee, the Health Committee, and the Committee on Selection.
He was also the Medical Director of the Kufuor Clinic in Kumasi and a part-time lecturer in the Department of Medicine at the School of Medical Sciences, K.N.U.S.T.
Dr. Addo-Kufuor’s scholarly contributions include publications such as “Safe Motherhood in the Upper West Region of Ghana” (GMA Publication) and “Propranolol, Diazepam and Their Combination in the Management of Chronic Anxiety in the Ghanaian Patient” (Health For All by the Year 2000-Ghana Medical Journal, 1993-94 Volume 27-28).
In the realm of defense, despite initial queries from the Appointments Committee on whether he was better suited for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Addo-Kufuor’s composure, level-headedness, and capability earned him the position of Minister of Defence. His tenure was marked by a steady hand and strategic oversight.
Beyond his medical and political career, Dr. Addo-Kufuor served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
His leadership was recognized with the Outstanding Board Chairman of the Year 2019 award at the 10th Ghana Entrepreneur & Corporate Executive Awards 2020. Under his guidance, SSNIT garnered numerous accolades, including the 2019 Company of the Year – Public Sector (Ghana Business Awards) and first place in the Public Sector Category for Customer Service in 2019.
Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor’s legacy is one of dedication, integrity, and impactful leadership in both the medical and political spheres. His contributions continue to inspire future generations of leaders in Ghana and beyond.