Nation mourns ‘dignified woman’ Thesera Kufuor

United in grief, Ghanaians from all shades of life are mourning the passing of former First Lady , Theresa Kufuor.
Many have described her as a dignified woman, who was a mother for all during her period as First Lady.

The 88-year-old who was the wife of the second President of the 4th Republic, John Agyekum Kufuor died on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

Per a directive from the government, all flags are to fly at half mast until October 8, 2023 in her honour.

Commiseration
Many Ghanaians have since Monday been to the home of the Kufuors at Peduase near Aburi to commiserate with the ex-President and his family. Other individuals and orgnisations have also issued statements paying tribute to Mrs Kufuor by recalling some of her qualities.

A Book of Condolence has been opened in the family home.

Bawumia, others
Prominent among those who have visited the home of the bereaved family is Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira Bawumia. Others included the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare; Ministers of State; MPs; the clergy , and other members of the public.

President eulogises her
President Akufo-Addo said her warmth, kindness and grace were exceptional. “She bore the vicissitudes of life with great stoicism and an unshakable belief in the sovereignty of Almighty God.”

Majority caucus
In a statement, the Majority Caucus in Parliament said Mrs Kufuor was motherly and a laid-back First Lady whose soft approach to the resolution of issues was spectacular.  “She elected to be a leader from the rear and her efforts were congruent with the outlook, style and demeanour of her husband, President John Agyekum Kufuor, the Gentle-Giant,” a statement signed by the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said.

NPP Women’s Wing
The Women’s Wing of the NPP stated that Mrs Kufuor’s grace, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the people of Ghana have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. “As the wife of President John Agyekum Kufuor, the first NPP President in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, she played an integral role in shaping the legacy of a transformative era”, a statement signed by the National Women’s Organiser, Kate Gyamfua said.

NDC
In their eulogy, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey said, “We hold fond memories of Madam Theresa’s service to the nation as First Lady.
“We in the NDC extend our deepest condolences to the Kufuor family and to the New Patriotic Party at large for this great loss.”

Kwesi Pratt Jnr.
In a statement, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, described Mrs Kufuor as an elegant woman whose loss is personal to him. “The loss of this elegant woman, Madam Theresa Kufuor, former First Lady is a national one but for me it is personal,” he said.

Mr Pratt fondly recalled how Mrs Kufuor “paid attention to our welfare including feeding and health and provided relevant advice whenever necessary”

“Undoubtedly, she was one of the most dignified first ladies Ghana has ever had and we will miss her greatly”