Story: News Desk

The Office of former President John Agyekum Kufuor has announced the one-week observance of the passing of his late wife, Theresa Kufuor.

Theresa Kufuor passed away on Sunday, October 1 at her home after battling a prolonged illness. She was 88.

A statement signed by senior aide, Dr Kwabena Osei-Adubofuor noted the ceremony will take place on October 11, 2023 at the Peduase residence of former President Kufuor from morning to evening.

“All are cordially invited,” portions of the release said.

 In this regard, it urged “well-wishers who intend to pay a visit to the family to offer condolences and commiserate with them should kindly do so by Monday 9th October, so that the premises could be prepared on Tuesday for the following day’s activities.”

Mrs Kufuor served as First Lady from January 2001 to January 2009 and is remembered for her dedicated work in advancing maternal and child healthcare in Ghana.

Her advocacy efforts were pivotal in the introduction of a policy providing free childbirth care, which significantly reduced maternal and child mortality rates in the country.

n 2007, she championed policy reform for the implementation of Unesco’s Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program for nursery-age children.

Born Theresa Mensah on 25 October 1935 in Kumasi, Ghana, she went on to have fulfilling career as a midwife and earned the admiration of Ghanaians for maintaining a modest profile throughout her eight years in public life as first lady.

She married Former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 1962 after they met at a Republic Day anniversary dance in London the year before.

Theresa Kufuor is survived by her husband and their five children.