Theresa Kufuor obituary

Remembering Theresa Kufuor: A Life of Dedication and Service

Ghana mourns the loss of a remarkable woman, Theresa Kufuor, who was not only the wife of former President John Agyekum Kufuor but also a dedicated nurse, midwife, and former First Lady of Ghana. Born on December 18, 1937, in Wenchi, Theresa Kufuor passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at her home in Peduase, surrounded by her loving family. She was 87 years old.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has already visited the residence of former President Kufuor to extend his condolences, reflecting the profound impact Theresa Kufuor had on the nation.

Theresa Kufuor, born on October 25, 1935, began her journey in education at the Catholic Convent, OLA, in Keta, Volta Region, Ghana. Her thirst for knowledge led her to London, where she pursued a career in nursing. She trained as a Registered General Nurse in the Southern Hospital Group of Nursing, Edinburgh, Scotland, and continued her studies at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford and Paddington General Hospital in London. Her dedication and commitment led her to become a State Certified Midwife with a Certificate in Premature Nursing.

Theresa Kufuor’s life took a momentous turn when she met John Kufuor at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London in 1961. Their connection deepened, culminating in their marriage in 1962. Together, they raised five children and became the proud grandparents of eight. Theresa Kufuor was a devout Roman Catholic, and her faith played a significant role in her life.

Despite her role as the First Lady of Ghana for eight years, from 2001 to 2009, Theresa Kufuor maintained a low profile in the political arena. However, her impact extended beyond the political sphere. In 2007, she advocated for policy changes in the Government’s white paper on Educational Reforms, promoting the implementation of UNESCO’s Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program for kindergarten children.

Theresa Kufuor’s dedication to improving the lives of mothers and children was evident in her founding of the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organization operating in Ghana and Canada. MCCDF played a crucial role in supporting efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of diseases.

As Ghana bids farewell to Theresa Kufuor, the nation remembers her as a woman of unwavering dedication, compassion, and service. Her legacy lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched through her work in healthcare and advocacy. Theresa Kufuor’s commitment to the well-being of others will continue to inspire future generations.