Kennedy Agyapong: The Lyrics for a New Song

John Quincy Adams, who served as the sixth President of the United States of America from 1825 to 1829, once said, and I quote, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

I have been beaming my searchlight on the continent of Africa to see those leaders on our soil who possess exceptional leadership qualities like Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Leopold Senghor of Senegal, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, etc. Indeed, I found a few of them in this generation. Among them is a Ghanaian politician and businessman, Honourable Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who represents Assin Central in Parliament for the New Patriotic Party.

I am a Nigerian and have never been to Ghana before. I have never seen this man in person, but my research about his personality and status convinced me he is a true leader. I have read testimonies from Ghanaians, both online and offline, about his philanthropic gestures. I took my time, about two months, to dig deep into his personality. Just as John Quincy Adams said, Kennedy’s positive actions inspired someone like me, who is not even a citizen of that country, to write this piece.

From my research on Kennedy, I have discovered that he is a man of courage and bravery who faces challenges just like an eagle looks at the cloudless sun. He is a man of vision and dreams who has navigated through murky waters without becoming dinner for the sharks.

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One of the main reasons I am so interested in this man, who believes in the philosophy of collectivism and idealism, is that, as a firebrand lawmaker, he maintains a separate account into which his earnings as a Member of Parliament are paid. These funds are channelled towards philanthropic activities, including paying school fees for children whose parents cannot afford them. I have yet to hear of such an example elsewhere. If this happens in other parts of Africa, it must be rare.

In Africa, most leaders are mindless plunderers, reckless looters, and greedy opportunists. They are only concerned about their pockets and families. But seeing a man in the Republic of Ghana give away his earnings is worthy of note. I will trumpet it loudly for other African leaders to learn from. Africa has to get it right.

It is audible to the deaf and visible to the blind that Kennedy is a successful businessman. He has managed his businesses well and employed that management insight in serving his constituency. Indeed, his people would have voted him out if he were not performing well. Think about it: what would make people keep voting for the same person for the same office if not for his exceptional performance?

Kennedy was born in Assin Dompim in the Central Region of Ghana on June 16, 1960. At age 11, he entered Form One at Adisadel College in 1976. After completing his education there, he proceeded to Winneba Secondary School and later attended Fordham University.

Adisadel College has honoured him three times during the school’s centenary celebrations in recognition of his outstanding achievements in helping people overcome poverty and hardship. He obtained his General Certificate of Education (G.C.E.) Advanced Level in 1983 before pursuing further studies at Fordham University in New York, USA. Records indicate that he had an exemplary educational background.

Kennedy worked as Managing Director of Assin Farms. He also worked with the Super Care Group of Companies and the Hollywood Shopping Centre. The remarkable leadership qualities he demonstrates today as a Member of Parliament are undoubtedly the result of years of management experience gained from these positions.

Honourable Kennedy was first elected Member of Parliament in 2000 for the Assin North Constituency. He retained the seat in the 2004 and 2008 parliamentary elections. Following the creation of the Assin Central Constituency, he was elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016.

In 2017, the 5th G.O.D. Awards announced Honourable Kennedy Ohene Agyapong as the recipient of its Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy and Public Service Award. Princess Maria Amor, Founder and President of We Care for Humanity and Chairman of the G.O.D. Awards, stated:

“You dedicated your life to becoming a politician to innovatively create opportunities and strengthen communities. The prelude to a great philanthropic leader is the discovery of true courage. A trait that cannot be measured by the absence of fear or heaps of victory but rather by the urging to always try again amongst adversity. You lifted the people of Ghana by providing educational assistance to pupils and students, mothers and children, job creation for numerous Ghanaians, school building projects in Ghana, and other countless contributions. Regardless of triumph or despair, it is the unwavering desire that is molded by the consensus to always try again for the sake of humanity.”

In 2021, the vibrant lawmaker received another honour, winning the 3G Award for the third time since the scheme’s inception in 2009. He previously won the award in 2015 and 2018. The acronym 3G stands for God, Global, and Giving. The initiative recognises the sacrifice and dedication of outstanding individuals within the Ghanaian, African, and global communities. He has also received numerous other prestigious awards.

Honourable Kennedy has set the record straight. He has written his name on the marble and is leaving indelible footprints on the sands of time. The people of his constituency are well aware of the remarkable human and infrastructural developments he has brought to the area. Records indicate that since the creation of the Assin Central Constituency, no Member of Parliament has matched his level of performance.

Among his achievements are facilitating the creation of the Assin South District, infrastructure development, human capital development, payment of hospital bills, construction of the Assin Fosu Bypass, the Fosu Main Road, the Dompin-Twifu Praso Road, the Brofoyedur-Akyim Oda Road, the Senchem Road, various town roads, and GIFEC projects.

Based on these achievements, I have critically assessed this man, who adheres strongly to credibility, legitimacy, and moral authority. I can confidently say, without a doubt, that he is one of the leaders Africa should be proud of. His principles and ideology are exceptional and serve as an inspiration to the youth. A leader who carries the youth along is worthy of celebration, and Ghanaian youth recognise this.

Looking closely at his personality, one sees a selfless individual who is genuinely committed to bringing renewed hope.

By next year, 2024, Ghanaians will decide who becomes their next President. Elections provide an opportunity for leadership change. Honourable Kennedy declared his intention to contest for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer position last year.

He particularly struck me when he addressed his supporters in the United States, emphasising that he is more of a leader than a politician. He promised to focus on development projects rather than the usual political manoeuvring that characterises many politicians. If given the mandate, he pledged to replicate the same outstanding leadership qualities he has demonstrated in his constituency on a national scale.

I believe he will perform exceptionally well. Naturally, anyone with good intentions will face opposition, criticism, and condemnation. However, if he possesses the unwavering determination of a true crusader, he will ultimately prevail.

I urge the people of Ghana, young and old, to rally behind this man of vision and purpose. I foresee a new chapter being written in Ghana.

I look forward to meeting this true son of Africa one day.

Let me conclude with this quote from Simon Sinek:

“Leadership is not about the next election; it is about the next generation.”

Honourable Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has the people of Ghana at heart.