An Ode to H.E. Mrs Theresa Aba Kufuor
She stood up among her peers and co-ladies in Christ the King Catholic Church not as one who would lead in front in almost all activities. H.E. Mrs. Theresa Aba Kufuor was unique in a way that she led by being calm and reserved. Not that she was anti-social, but rather portrayed that character of a good and wise Mother who will quietly observe things that were happening and come out with the best solution to the problems.
She was an Angel in the midst of men, who would not rush out loudly, but rather in a soothing manner, bringing out the good in any person and situation.
She was an Angel and An angel she was in our midst as she put to use her sweet and melodic voice to the Marian Choir, the second choir of Christ the King Church. Angels do sing and they sing God’s praises throughout eternity, and Madam Theresa Kufuor sung with the Choir, praising God in all ways.
When she became the First Lady of the Land, one would have assumed that she would retire from the Choir and take up the role of importance, as one of the leading figures of this country.
The front pew directly facing the Sanctuary was always reserved for H.E. President J.A. Kufuor and his beautiful wife, H.E. Mrs. Theresa Aba Kufuor. That showed the order of importance in the House of Worship. However, whenever our Mother Theresa came to church without her husband, the President, she went straight to join the Choir to sing, clearly ignoring all protocol arrangements reserved for the First Family of the Land.
It is obvious that, she would prefer being among the choristers than sitting in front by her husband. Anyway, before her husband became President that was the arrangements she was very much used to, and very much loved.
During those times, H.E. President Kufuor would take the back pews sitting with friends who were as tall as he was, maybe playing according to the rule, which says “shortest in front,” while she would be in the Choir.
Our Mother Theresa, apart from pictures in the print and televised media of her and the husband, and occasional news about official duties she performed, she was almost unnoticed during the reign of her husband, President J.A. Kufuor. This introduced an era where First Ladies, worked quietly in the background.
One very unique thing about her life as First Lady of Ghana, was that she introduced into our politics a motherly role in the First Ladyship, where she was not seen to be deeply involved in politics and taking up the headlines by doing this and saying that, and even instructing government appointees on what to do.
Our Mother Theresa was all human as well and could be humorous. I remember hearing her warning her nephew that if the rent was not paid to her for accommodating the President, she would evict him from the house. She was begged and smiled, walking away.
H.E. Mrs. Theresa Aba Kufuor was baptised with the name, Theresa, and it seems she lived her life like Therese of Lisieux or St. Theresa of the Child Jesus and Holy Face, also known as the Little Flower of Jesus. The little that the Saint had, she used it to the glorification of God, and our Mother Theresa also used the little she had to do same.
Our dear Mother Theresa Aba Kufuor, you led a simple life of an Angel and a Saint whose priority in life was to make God increase while you decreased. You are an Angel who visited earth and have now gone back home to do what you know best, to sing praises to God throughout eternity.
May you be elevated among the Elect and may you be to us a saint and guardian angel, especially to your humble husband, H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor and your lovely children, grandchildren and the rest of the family.
Enjoy eternity in the Holy Gardens of Heaven and pray for us, so that one day we shall meet again.
To my Papa, H.E John Agyekum Kufuor, it is not easy to lose a loved one, especially a life partner. It is something no one will ever wish for even his worst enemy. It is an experience that cannot be explained to anyone. I only hope that the Good Lord God consoles you and the family and replace your sorrows with joy.
Because, guess what, our Mother Theresa is looking down from Heaven and saying to you all “wipe your tears and rejoice, because if only you know where I am, you will celebrate with joy.”
Mother Theresa Aba Kufuor, until we meet, continue singing with the saints in Heaven.
From Hon Daniel Christian Dugan
