Tribute by Former President John Agyekum Kufuor of the Republic of Ghana to the Memory of the late President F.W. de Klerk

11 November 2021

It is with a heavy heart that I have just learnt of the demise of President F .W. de Kl erk this morning. He had only recently relinquished the chairmanship of the Global Leadership Foundation which he founded, and of which I am proud member, on grounds of ill health.

The history of political liberation, in particular of South Africa, and indeed, that of Africa as a whole cannot be complete without the name of President de Klerk featuring prominently in it. His far-sighted, courageous, and human-centered efforts and decision to free the global icon and freedom-fighter, Nelson Mandela, from decades of incarcerations; and further giving up political power in order to see the end of Apartheid in his country, South Africa, to usher it into democracy for all its citizens, instantly earned him the international respect which eventually led him and Nelson Mandela to jointly receive the 1993 Nobel Prize for Peace.

Post-presidency, he led a fulfilled life through his foundation and contributed immensely to the course of democracy and good governance around the globe.

I send my condolences to the wife and the family he leaves behind as well as fellow members of the Global Leadership Foundation.

May God grant him eternal rest in his bosom.