Ghanaians celebrate Kufuor as he turns 80

Hip hip hooray!!!

Ghanaians from all walks of life, including president Nana Akufo-Addo, have been wishing him a happy birthday.

"Happy birthday to my former boss and second President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, John Agyekum ," President Akufo-Addo tweeted Saturday morning.

Abu Sakara, a former presidential candidate of the Convention People's Party, wrote on Facebook: Our beloved JAK the "gentle giant" reaches a landmark stage of truly graceful aging.May God continue to bless you Mr. President for the dignity and service you accorded our nation Ghana. Ayeekooo!

Joy FM news anchor, Israel Laryea tweeted: "One of our finest, former President John Agyekum turns 80 today. A very special one to you. You're blessed! Stay blessed!"

The J.A. Kufuor Foundation in a birthday wish message said: "We appreciate your selfless leadership and immense contributions towards the nurturing of future leaders. We wish you good health and long life."

Kufuor, nicknamed "The Gentle Giant," governed Ghana between 2001 to 2009 after leading the New Patriotic Party to a second round victory in the 2000 election.

He is credited with implementing social intervention programmes such as the School Feeding Programme, The National Health Insurance Scheme, he defunct National Youth Employment Programme now Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP).

Below are some birthday messages from some Ghanaians to the former president.