The one-week observance of the passing of former President John Agyekum Kufour’s wife, Theresa Kufuor is currently underway at the Peduase residence of the former President in the Akuapim South District of the Eastern Region.
Madam Kufuor passed away on Sunday, 1st October 2023 at her home after a prolonged illness at the age of 88.
The one-week ceremony was observed by the Roman Catholic Church, which the former First Family attends.
President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday when speaking at a meeting with the family of the late former First Lady, said a state funeral would be held on November 16, 2023, for her since she deserves it.
On Wednesday, at the Peduase Lodge Residence of former President Kufuor, a lot of dignitaries including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and wife, Samira Bawumia, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament among other bigwigs of the ruling party stormed there to commiserate with the family.
The former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen and his wife, Patricia and also Papa Kwasi Nduom, were there to mourn with the bereaved famil.
Profile of Theresa Kufuor
Mrs Kufuor was Ghana’s First Lady from January 7, 2001, to January 6, 2009, after her husband, John Agyekum Kufuor, assumed the presidency, succeeding Jerry John Rawlings.
During her time as First Lady, she established the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation, which aimed to promote the healthy development of children and prevent the transmission of diseases from mothers to their offspring.
Theresa married John Kufuor when he was at age 23 after they met at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London in 1961.
They got married in 1962. She has five children with John Kufuor.
Theresa Kufuor, born on October 25, 1935, in Kumasi, Ghana, led a life marked by unwavering dedication to her country and its citizens.
She was not only the First Lady of Ghana from 2001 to 2009 but also a respected figure in her own right.
Throughout her years in public service, she championed various social causes, particularly in the fields of healthcare, women’s empowerment, and education.
One of the most enduring legacies of Mrs. Kufuor’s life was her commitment to improving healthcare in Ghana.
She played a pivotal role in initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare services, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health.
Her efforts led to significant advancement in access to healthcare and a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates in the country.
Mrs. Theresa Kufuor was a staunch advocate for women’s rights and empowerment.
She championed programs and policies aimed at advancing the status of women in Ghanaian society.
Her work inspired countless women to pursue education, career opportunities, and leadership roles, fostering gender equality and women’s participation in the nation’s development.
Education held a special place in her heart, and she worked tirelessly to promote educational opportunities for all Ghanaians, regardless of their background.
Her efforts included promoting girl-child education and advocating for initiatives that expanded access to quality education across the country.
As news of Mrs Kufuor’s passing spread across Ghana, the nation came together to mourn the loss of a remarkable woman who had touched the lives of many. Condolences and tributes poured in from political leaders, public figures, and ordinary citizens, all acknowledging the profound impact she had on Ghanaian society.
Theresa Kufuor will be remembered not only for her contributions to healthcare, women’s empowerment, and education but also for her grace, compassion, and dedication to improving the lives of the people of Ghana.
Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come as they work towards building a better, more equitable, and prosperous nation.
The passing of Mrs. Theresa Kufuor is a poignant moment in Ghana’s history, marking the end of an era.
Her tireless efforts to improve the lives of her fellow citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, serve as a testament to the enduring power of service and compassion. As Ghana mourns the loss of a beloved figure, it also celebrates the indomitable spirit of a woman whose legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts and minds of the Ghanaian people.
– BY Daniel Bampoe