Ghana commemorated a solemn State funeral on Thursday for the late former First Lady, Theresa Aba Kufuor.
The poignant event, marked by a requiem mass at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Cantonments, Accra, drew thousands of mourners, including prominent figures both from Ghana and abroad.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Second Lady Mrs Samira Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and former President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Mrs Lordina Mahama.
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, also paid his respects.
The atmosphere at the funeral was a blend of sorrow and gratitude as attendees reflected on the unwavering commitment of the former First Lady to her family, friends, and the nation. Mourners from diverse backgrounds filed past her mortal remains, paying tributes.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor emotionally described his late wife as well-mannered and very supportive during their 61 years of marriage.
He bid her farewell, saying, “Fare thee well, Aba, adieu, my love.”
Theresa Aba Kufuor's children remembered her as a disciplinarian who instilled the fear of God in them. Eldest child John Addo Kwabo, aka Chief, expressed gratitude for her advice and prayers, saying, “Sleep soundly in the bosom of our Lord.”
Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, reading a tribute on behalf of the State, highlighted the Former First Lady's optimism and unwavering support for her husband's political endeavours.
She acknowledged her impact on advocating for the implementation of UNESCO's free compulsory Universal Basic Education Programme (FCUBE) for kindergarten children in 2007.
“Wreaths were laid on behalf of the government, the family, her children, the clergy, traditional authorities, and the Mother and Child Foundation. The casket, draped in national colours, was carried by personnel of the Ghana Air Force.”
The body has been transported to Kumasi for final funeral rites before a private burial scheduled for November 18, 2023. Mrs.
Theresa Kufuor, born on October 25, 1935, to the late Joseph Henry Mensah Senior and Rose Mensah, passed away on October 1, 2023, at the age of 87.
