President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has announced that former First Lady Mrs Theresa Aba Kufuor would be given a state burial.
According to President Akufo-Addo, the former First Lady lived a modest life and was a blessing to the nation when the husband, former President John Kufuor, was head of state.
“It is an appreciation of my regard for her, and I have the power, and I will exercise it,” President Akufo-Addo stressed, adding that “she deserves it… a verified and dignified woman”.
President Akufo-Addo made this known on Tuesday, October 10, when members of the bereaved family led by former diplomat DK Osei called on him to formally inform him about the death of Mrs Theresa Aba Kufuor.
Family Spokesperson PK Mensah said the funeral rites will begin in Accra on Thursday, November 16, and end in Kumasi on Saturday, November 18.
President Akufo Addo assured the family of attending the state burial service in Accra and the final funeral rites in Kumasi.
The president revealed that he had known Mrs Kufuor since 1961 and her brother, JH Mensah, was his “mentor” in politics.
He also said he visited former President John Agyekum Kufuor at his Peduase residence to console the family on the day of Mrs. Theresa’s demise.
Mrs. Kufuor passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 87.
Theresa Kufuor served as Ghana’s First Lady from 2001 to 2009, when her husband was president.
John Agyekum Kufuor and Theresa are blessed with five children: J. Addo Kufuor, Nana Ama Gyamfi, Saah Kufuor, Agyekum Kufuor and Owusu Afriyie Kufuor.
Kufuor and his late wife are also blessed with eight grandchildren.