Stories and facts
Born on October 25, 1935, she was renowned as the wife of John Kufuor, Ghana's second President during the Fourth Republic, and had served as the First Lady of the nation.
Her early life was marked by academic dedication and a commitment to healthcare. Commencing her education at the Catholic Convent, OLA, in the Volta Region of Ghana, Theresa continued her studies in London, specializing as a Registered General Nurse within the Southern Hospital Group of Nursing, Edinburgh, Scotland. Expanding her expertise, she pursued further studies at esteemed institutions such as the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford and the Paddington General Hospital in London, culminating in her qualification as a State Certified Midwife with a Certificate in Premature Nursing.
In 1962, Theresa Kufuor married John Kufuor at the young age of 23, and their union resulting in five children: J. Addo Kufuor, Nana Ama Gyamfi, Saah Kufuor, Agyekum Kufuor, and Owusu Afriyie Kufuor. A devout Roman Catholic, she dedicated herself not only to her family but also to humanitarian causes, displaying a particular passion for supporting impoverished children and mothers.
During her tenure as Ghana's First Lady from 2001 to 2009, Theresa Kufuor retained a humble and modest presence in the political sphere, focusing on advocating for crucial policy changes. Notably, in 2007, she spearheaded efforts to influence the Government's white paper on Educational Reforms, advocating for the implementation of UNESCO's Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program, specifically targeting kindergarten children.
Furthermore, Theresa Kufuor was the founder of the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organization operating in both Ghana and Canada. This foundation played a pivotal role in supporting initiatives aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission.
On October 25, Theresa Kufuor, along with her husband, received esteemed honors from Pope Benedict XVI. President John Kufuor was conferred the Papal Award of Knight Commander of St. Gregory the Great for his unwavering dedication to humanity and the Catholic Church. Simultaneously, Theresa Kufuor was awarded the Papal Award Dame of St. Gregory the Great in recognition of her fervent commitment to advocating for impoverished children and their mothers.
Theresa Kufuor's passing on October 1, 2023, at the age of 87, marked the loss of an individual whose life was dedicated to service, compassion, and the betterment of society, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
