Former President HE John Akyekum Kufuor says President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is laying good policies for the development of the country.

According to him, though the New Patriotic Party is seen as a capitalist party, its infrastructural and social intervention policies are always inclined to help improve the country's economy.

The former president, who disclosed this in an interview on Okay FM's Ade Akye Abia programme, asked Ghanaians to be patient with the president as he rolls out the policies of the New Patriotic Party.

"You know, you will think governance is easy until you become president and realize that nothing at all is left in the National coffers by your predecessor....You have to work hard and not be discouraged because you will need to fulfill the numerous promises you have made to Ghanaians," he added.

Recounting his days as president of the country, Mr Kufuor noted that, as a government, you will need to think about the welbeing of your citizens so you will provide programmes and policies to help alleviate the hardships they might have suffered under another regime.

"That, I see Nana Addo Dankwa doing. He has started well and i believe he will provide the needed infrastructure for the development of the country and also provide a decent livelihood for Ghanaians," he added.

The former president who turns 79 years today also seized the opportunity to call on Ghanaians to "remain resolute and also become more patriotic and help in the development process of the country".

Brief History

Mr Kufuor was the second president of the fourth republic of Ghana and served two four-year terms. He exited office in 2009.

He was elected as the Chairman of the African Union between January 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008.Under his leadership, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was implemented to cater for the health needs of citizens, replacing the ‘cash-and-carry’ system.

He also introduced the capitation grant for school children at the basic level, and started the Ghana School Feeding Programme for pupils in public primary schools.

Mr Kufuor has many accolades including: The Knight Commander of the Order of Bath of the UK, conferred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and Order of the House of Orange, conferred by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. President Kufuor presently serves as a senior statesman in the country.