Mrs Theresa Kufuor: A life dedicated to welfare of humanity, education
With just under 24 days left until her 88th birthday, Mrs Theresa Aba Kufuor bid farewell to be with her Maker. Today, we celebrate the life of the former First Lady of Ghana, who has left an indelible mark on the hearts of Ghanaians and people far beyond our borders.
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On Sunday, October 1, 2023, she passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 87. The news of her passing resonated across the airwaves and social media platforms. On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, a solemn mass was held to mark the one week observation of her passing at the Peduase residence of the former President.
The one-week observance was attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his wife, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Mrs Samira Bawumia, the Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei Opare, a former Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Ocquaye, a large crowd of individuals, dignitaries and well-wishers who came together to celebrate the life and legacy of the wife of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, affectionately known as Madam Theresa. She served as the First Lady of Ghana from January 7, 2001 to January 6, 2009.
The final funeral rites for the former First Lady, will take place at the forecourt of the state house on November 16, 2023.The funeral rites would continue in Kumasi on November 18 after which she would be laid to rest on November 19, 2023.
Family and education
Mrs Theresa Kufuor was born on October 25, 1935 at Wenchi in the Bono Region, bearing the name Theresa Mensah. She was the youngest child of her parents and the sister of the late J. H. Mensah, a prominent politician and economist.
Mrs Kufuor's educational journey began at the Catholic Convent, OLA at Keta, Volta Region. She later continued her studies in London, specialising as a Registered General Nurse in the Southern Hospital Group of Nursing in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford and the Paddington General Hospital in London where she earned a qualification as a State Certified Midwife with a Certificate in Premature Nursing.
After completing her studies, Mrs Kufuor worked as a nurse and midwife in various hospitals in the United Kingdom and Ghana.
At a young age, Theresa married her lifetime partner, President Kufuor when he was 23. They first met at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London in 1961 and the following year, in 1962, they tied the knot. The couple had five children: J. Addo Kufuor, Nana Ama Gyamfi, Saah Kufuor, Agyekum Kufuor and Owusu Afriyie Kufuor. She was also a grandmother of eight and a devout Roman Catholic.
Mrs Kufuor was also one of the veteran choristers of the Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra.
Humanitarian work
Mrs Kufuor's life was marked by a deep commitment to humanitarian causes and an unwavering devotion to improving the lives of those in need. During her tenure as First Lady, she championed several vital initiatives, with strong emphasis on healthcare, women's empowerment and education.
She founded the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organisation that operated in both Ghana and Canada, focusing on preventing mother-to-child transmission of diseases.
Mrs Kufuor played a significant role in shaping educational policy in government, advocating for the implementation of UNESCO's Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education programme for kindergarten children. She was also instrumental in enhancing maternal and child health in Ghana, reducing maternal mortality and providing critical support to numerous families.
Honours and awards
Mrs Kufuor received recognition and honours for her dedication and contributions to the welfare of humanity and the Catholic Church. In 2007, she was awarded the Papal Award "Dame of St Gregory the Great" by Pope Benedict XVI for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of underprivileged children and their mothers.
She also received several other awards and citations from various institutions and organisations including the Ghana Registered Midwives Association, the Ghana AIDS Commission, the Ghana Journalists Association and the Ghana Women of Excellence Awards.
Mrs Kufuor was a symbol of strength and grace, embodying the values of compassion and empathy. Her involvement in numerous charitable organisations and philanthropic endeavours demonstrated her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for those in need.