Kufuor fights back tears as one-week funeral observance for wife, Theresa is marked, Asante culture takes centre stage

Asante culture was in full glow at the one-week funeral observance of former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

The ceremony, held at the Peduase residence of the former first couple, attracted a large turnout, as mourners dressed mostly in black, consoled the widower, former President John Agyekum Kufuor and the entire family.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira Bawumia, ministers of state, chiefs and MPs were among the large assembly of mourners.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III sent representatives.
Other prominent traditional rulers in attendance were the Juabenhene , Nana Otuo Siriboe II; the Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, and the Apagyahene, Nana Owusu Afriyie IV.

Kufuor in sombre mood
Mr Kufuor was in sombre mood for a greater part of the event. At some points, he tried fighting back tears. Theresa was a woman he shared 61 years of his life with, and naturally he would be hit by her death.

Tradition
Fontonfrom, kete, adowa and nwonkro ensembles enlivened the event. Former President Kufuor, surrounded by family members including his brother, Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, sat through the event for symphatisers to greet him.

Donations mostly in cash came from some of the mourners to support the funeral.

The political angle
The political angle could not be lost at the event. It was refreshing seeing Vice President Bawumia and Alan Kyerematen shake hands amid smiles.

The two were leading contestants in the NPP flagbearer race until Mr Kyerematen backed out.