Born on October 25, 1935, in Wenchi, Ghana, Theresa Kufuor’s journey through life would be defined by her unwavering dedication to healthcare, her role as the First Lady of Ghana, and her relentless commitment to improving the lives of children and mothers. As a loving wife, a nurturing mother, a grandmother, and a devout Roman Catholic, her legacy continues to inspire generations.
Theresa Kufuor’s educational journey commenced at the Catholic Convent, OLA, in Keta, Volta Region, Ghana. However, her quest for knowledge and a desire to make a difference led her to London, where she embarked on a remarkable journey in the field of healthcare. There, she became a Registered General Nurse in the Southern Hospital Group of Nursing. Her educational pursuits also took her to Edinburgh, Scotland.
She further honed her skills through rigorous training at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford and the Paddington General Hospital in London, eventually earning the distinction of becoming a State Certified Midwife with a Certificate in Premature Nursing.
Theresa Kufuor’s life was intertwined with that of John Kufuor, who would go on to become the second President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. Together, they raised a loving family, blessed with five children: J. Addo Kufuor, Nana Ama Gyamfi, Saah Kufuor, Agyekum Kufuor, and Owusu Afriyie Kufuor. She was not only a mother of five but also a grandmother of eight, a role she cherished deeply.
A devout Roman Catholic, Theresa’s faith played a central role in her life, guiding her actions and values throughout her journey.
From 2001 to 2009, Theresa Kufuor served as the First Lady of Ghana during her husband’s presidency. Despite her prominent position, she remained remarkably modest and chose to maintain a low profile in the political arena. Nevertheless, she left an indelible mark on the nation through her advocacy for the vulnerable, especially children and mothers.
In 2007, she played a pivotal role in advocating for policy changes in the Government’s white paper on Educational Reforms, working towards the implementation of UNESCO’s Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program for kindergarten children.
Theresa Kufuor’s compassion extended far beyond her role as First Lady. She founded the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organization operating in both Ghana and Canada. The MCCDF was dedicated to supporting initiatives aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of diseases and improving the well-being of mothers and children.
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On October 25, a significant day that marked both her birthday and her husband’s legacy, Pope Benedict XVI conferred the Papal Award of Knight Commander of St. Gregory the Great upon President John Kufuor for his dedicated service to humanity and the Catholic Church. Theresa Kufuor, too, was recognized for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of disadvantaged children and their mothers, receiving the Papal Award Dame of St. Gregory the Great.
As we remember Theresa Kufuor’s remarkable life and contributions, we bid a heartfelt farewell to a woman whose love, compassion, and commitment to service have left an indelible mark on Ghana and the world. Her passing on October 1, 2023 ( 87 years old), marks the end of an era, but her legacy of love and dedication to humanity will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.