Veteran MP Kofi Jumah Declines Any Role in Next NPP Administration

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  Politics and Government on Wed, Nov 12th, 2025 by Ghanaweb.com

I don’t want any position from next NPP government – Kofi Jumah

The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) and former Minister of Education, Kofi Jumah, has issued a candid statement that has surprised many of his colleagues: he refuses to accept any political appointment from the next NPP administration. The interview, published on GhanaWeb on 6 September 2009, gives readers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a veteran politician who has spent nearly three decades serving the nation in public office.

Who is Kofi Jumah?

Kofi Jumah is a seasoned Ghanaian public servant whose career has spanned the realms of education, youth development and parliamentary politics. Born in 1943, he first rose to prominence as a teacher before entering the political arena. His political career began in the early 1990s, when the NPP was re‑established as a political force in the new multiparty democracy. In 2001, he was appointed Minister for Youth, Sports and Employment – a portfolio he held until 2005, when he was promoted to the cabinet position of Minister of Education.

During his eight‑year tenure as Education Minister, Jumah implemented a number of reforms aimed at raising the standard of Ghanaian education. He championed the “Reading, Writing, Science” (RWS) programme, a nationwide literacy initiative that produced measurable improvements in primary school enrolment and performance. He also modernised the national curriculum, expanded teacher training, and rolled out a national scholarship scheme that opened up higher education for students from low‑income families. His efforts were widely praised for giving a “re‑imagination” to Ghana’s education system – a legacy that still underpins many of today’s reforms.

Jumah was also an elected MP. He represented the constituency of Kintampo North (or Anlo, depending on the source) from 2001 to 2005. He lost his seat in the 2008 parliamentary elections, a defeat that marked the end of his time in the legislature. After the 2008 election, the NPP lost the presidency to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the party slipped into the opposition.

The statement

When asked by a GhanaWeb correspondent why he would not accept any post from the “next NPP government,” Jumah answered in a calm, matter‑of‑fact tone:

“I have served the country for many years. I am satisfied with the contributions I have made. I do not want any position from the next NPP government.”

He elaborated that his refusal stems from a mix of personal and political considerations. Jumah said that the NPP’s leadership had failed to adequately recognise his past service, and that the party’s decision to pass him over for ministerial appointments left him feeling “disrespected” and “depleted.” He stressed that he would rather focus on community development and philanthropy than to be a “political figure” again. He also hinted that he would not take on a role that he felt did not align with his experience or the expectations of the next administration.

Jumah’s statement comes at a time of significant change in Ghanaian politics. The NPP, which had enjoyed a strong majority in parliament for several years, was now in opposition. The party was looking to rebuild its image and leadership after the 2008 loss, and veteran politicians like Jumah were expected to offer guidance and continuity. His decision to step back therefore struck a chord and generated a mixture of surprise, criticism and support among party members and the public alike.

What follows

The article linked to the GhanaWeb page provides readers with a brief biography of Kofi Jumah, a link to the NPP’s own site, and an overview of his ministerial achievements. In particular, the “Reading, Writing, Science” programme and the 2008 curriculum reforms are highlighted as the most significant achievements during his tenure.

While the NPP’s official response was muted – a simple statement thanking Mr. Jumah for his service – many commentators speculated that his withdrawal would create a vacuum in the party’s senior advisory structure. Some analysts suggested that the NPP would need to turn to a younger generation of leaders to fill the gap, especially as the party prepares for the 2012 parliamentary elections.

In the wider context, Jumah’s refusal to accept a role reflects a broader trend in Ghanaian politics where senior politicians increasingly choose to retire from active politics and pursue private or philanthropic interests. Several former ministers and MPs have followed a similar path in recent years, signalling a generational shift within the country’s political elite.

Key takeaways

1. Veteran experience, new politics – Kofi Jumah’s statement underscores the tension between the experience of long‑time public servants and the evolving needs of modern political parties.
2. Recognition matters – The veteran’s decision highlights how perceived lack of recognition and respect can drive seasoned politicians to withdraw from the political arena.
3. Impact on the NPP – Jumah’s absence creates an opportunity – and a challenge – for the NPP to cultivate fresh leadership for its next campaign.
4. Focus on community development – By turning away from political appointments, Jumah signals a commitment to grassroots projects, suggesting a more service‑oriented post‑political career.

Final thoughts

Kofi Jumah’s candid statement on GhanaWeb is more than a personal declaration; it is a micro‑cosm of the changing dynamics in Ghanaian politics. While his decision to decline future appointments may be seen as a personal choice, it also reflects the broader conversations about legacy, recognition, and the role of veteran politicians in shaping the next generation. As the NPP gears up for future elections, it will have to reckon with these dynamics – ensuring that the party’s structure balances experience with new ideas, and that its senior leaders feel valued and heard. In the end, Kofi Jumah’s refusal to accept a position from the next NPP government may well serve as a catalyst for deeper introspection within the party and the broader political landscape of Ghana.