It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of former First Lady of Ghana, Theresa Kufuor, at the age of 87. Mrs. Kufuor, the beloved wife of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, peacefully departed this world on Sunday, October 1, while at her home in Peduase, surrounded by her family.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has already paid his respects by visiting the residence of former President Kufuor to extend his condolences to the grieving family.
Theresa Kufuor, born on October 25, 1935, was not only the devoted spouse of Ghana’s second President during the Fourth Republic but also a distinguished retired nurse and midwife. Her life journey began with education at the Catholic Convent, OLA, in Keta, Volta Region, Ghana.
Later, she pursued further studies in London, where she trained as a Registered General Nurse within the Southern Hospital Group of Nursing, Edinburgh, Scotland. Her commitment to healthcare led her to complete her midwifery training at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford and the Paddington General Hospital in London, earning her the distinction of a State Certified Midwife with a Certificate in Premature Nursing.
Theresa and John Kufuor’s love story began when they crossed paths at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London in 1961. They sealed their commitment to one another in 1962 and went on to raise a loving family of five, eventually becoming grandparents to eight cherished grandchildren. Theresa Kufuor was known for her unwavering faith as a devout Roman Catholic.
Despite her role as Ghana’s First Lady for eight years, spanning from 2001 to 2009, Theresa Kufuor maintained a notably low profile in the political arena. However, her impact extended far beyond her public persona. In 2007, she advocated for policy changes within the government’s white paper on Educational Reforms, with a focus on implementing UNESCO’s Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program for kindergarten children, thereby contributing to the enhancement of education in Ghana.
Furthermore, Theresa Kufuor founded the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organization operating in both Ghana and Canada. This foundation tirelessly works toward preventing mother-to-child transmission of diseases, showcasing her enduring commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare.
As Ghana and the world mourn the loss of Theresa Kufuor, her legacy of service, dedication to healthcare, and advocacy for education will continue to inspire generations to come.
