The Ghanaian Government has issued a directive for all flags within Ghana and its diplomatic missions to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the late former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor. Commencing on October 1, 2023, and lasting until October 8, 2023, this solemn gesture was announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The statement, bearing the signature of Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, was released in Accra.
The statement acknowledges the exceptional qualities of Mrs. Kufuor, the wife of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, highlighting her life characterized by compassion, unwavering dedication, and selfless service to the people of Ghana.
The government, on behalf of the nation, extends heartfelt condolences to President J. A. Kufuor and the entire family as they collectively grieve the loss of this remarkable woman who touched the hearts of many.
Born on October 25, 1935, under the name Theresa Mensah, Mrs. Kufuor spent a significant portion of her professional life in the United Kingdom after completing her studies at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, and Paddington General Hospital in London.
Her tenure as First Lady spanned from 2001 to 2009, and she enjoyed a 61-year-long marriage to former President Kufuor.
Madam Theresa’s union with John Kufuor began when he was 23 years old, sparked by their meeting at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London in 1961. Their marriage took place in 1962, and they were blessed with five children.
Advocating for Education Reforms
In 2007, she played a pivotal role in advocating for policy changes within the Government’s white paper on Educational Reforms, aimed at implementing UNESCO’s Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program for kindergarten children.
Additionally, she founded the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organization with operations in both Ghana and Canada. This organization focuses on supporting efforts in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of diseases.
