Mother Ghana says it will eternally remember the former First Lady, Mrs. Theresa Aba Kufuor, for her industrious contributions to the country.
In a tribute read on behalf of the State by the sitting First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the state funeral in Accra, Ghana said it was thankful to Mrs. Kufuor.
She said that the late former First Lady played an instrumental role during her husband’s tenure as President of Ghana.
Notably, she mentioned that the impact Mrs. Kufuor made as First Lady was her advocacy for the implementation of UNESCO’s Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education Programme for Kindergarten children in 2007, through the government’s White Paper on education reforms.
The First Lady said that the nation remembered the late Mrs. Kufuor for her direct involvement and commitment to the welfare of poor children and mothers, which were evident in the establishment of the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF) in June 2001.
She said that Mrs. Kufuor was known, among other things, for her expertise in Nursing, specifically Midwifery.
“Though the demise of our former First Lady has caused us pain, yet, we are grateful to God that her life was impactful. Let us take solace in the beautiful memories we shared with her and be encouraged by her legacy as we do our best for God and country. Rest well, Mrs. Kufuor. You will forever be in our hearts,” Mrs. Akufo-Addo read.
WIDOWER
The tribute by the Widower, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, was read on his behalf, per the funeral rites, though he was present.
He opened his tribute with Proverbs 31:10–11, which says, “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her …”
He said that he and Aba, as he affectionately called his wife, shared a “gleeful sense of humour,” which meant they could laugh at each other, just as they could “naturally forgive” each other for their shortcomings.
“Aba, your departure has left an unbridgeable void in my life; but I take solace from the many mercies and blessings the good Lord has showered on our journey of 62 years: living long; the blessing of beautiful children; 14 splendid grandchildren; the honour of having served our nation together; the gift of loving; extended families; and a network of friends around the world,” President Kufuor solemnly said.
He, however, thanked God for giving her to him as his life partner, adding, “Aba, you have earned your good rest.”
WREATH
Seven wreaths were laid. The first was on behalf of the state, which was laid by the First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo.
The second wreath was laid on behalf of the widower, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, by John Addo Kufuor.
The third wreath was laid by the children. Misters John Addo Kufuor, Edward Kufuor, and Victor Kufuor did that, and the fourth wreath was laid on behalf of the family by the Akyeampemhene of Sunyani Dumase.
Helen Saah Kufuor, accompanied by Nana Ama Kufuor, laid the fifth wreath for the Mother and Child Foundation, and the Holy Roman Catholic Church laid the sixth wreath, which was done by the Most Rev. Antony Narh Asare.
The seventh wreath was laid by the Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area, Oboade Notse King Prof. Odaifio Welensti III.
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II sent a delegation to present their donation on behalf of their son, John Agyekum Kufuor, as customs demand.
ATTENDANCE
In attendance were the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; and the First and Second Ladies, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo and Samira Bawumia, respectively. The Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, was present.
Also, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagin, and the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkoonor, and former President John Dramani Mahama were part of the several dignitaries that attended the state funeral.
The ever-green Winneba Youth Choir and the Christ the King Church Choir consoled mourners with soothing music.
