Theresa Kufuor, born Theresa Mensah on 25 October 1935, in Wenchi, Ghana, dedicated her life to service, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of Ghana’s history. Her journey began at the Catholic Convent, OLA, in Keta, Ghana, where she laid the foundation for her education.
Venturing abroad, Theresa pursued her passion for nursing in London at the Southern Hospital Group of Nursing, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Her commitment to healthcare further led her to the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, and Paddington General Hospital, London, where she emerged not only as a Registered General Nurse but also as a State Certified Midwife with a Certificate in Premature Nursing.
In 1961, destiny intervened as Theresa met John Kufuor at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London. Their union, sealed in 1962, bore the fruit of five children: J. Addo Kufuor, Nana Ama Gyamfi, Saah Kufuor, Agyekum Kufuor, and Owusu Afriyie Kufuor. Her love extended to eight grandchildren, creating a legacy of family and warmth.
Theresa’s journey took a pivotal turn when her husband assumed the presidency of Ghana, marking her tenure as the First Lady from 2001 to 2009.
Simultaneously, she held the esteemed position of the First Lady of the African Union from 2007 to 2008 during John Kufuor’s chairmanship.
In both roles, Theresa was celebrated for her unassuming demeanor and commitment to public service.
Beyond the political limelight, Theresa Kufuor championed causes close to her heart. A fervent advocate for children and mothers, she founded the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organization dedicated to preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Her advocacy also extended to educational reforms, particularly the implementation of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program for kindergarten children.
On October 2, 2023, Ghana bid farewell to this remarkable woman, but her legacy lives on. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI recognized her compassionate efforts with the Papal Award Dame of St. Gregory the Great.
In 2019, President Nana Akufo-Addo honored her with the Companion of the Order of the Volta, the highest national distinction, for her outstanding service to the nation.
Theresa Kufuor’s life serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have in shaping a nation’s narrative.
Theresa Kufuor’s life was a testament to the transformative power of service and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of Ghana’s history.