Theresa, who was devastated, was unable to attend her father’s funeral. But John Agyekum Kufuor was present, together with his family.
After deciding to become engaged, the pair got hitched on September 8, 1962, at the Brompton Oratory in Knightsbridge, London. The fact that her father would not be accompanying her down the aisle made Theresa sad. But he took on that responsibility as her brother JH was traveling to a meeting in London.
The couple moved to Muswell Hill in north London after graduating from Oxford, where they had started their married life. In just three years, the couple gave birth to three children. John Addo Kwabo, also known as Chief, was their first child. A year later, Anne-Marie Nana Ama Ampomah was born, and the following year, Helen Nana Saah. By this point (1965), the family had settled back in Kumasi, Ghana, and Theresa was employed at Tech Hospital, which is located on the University of Science and Technology campus. She worked with Justina Osei-Bonsu, one of her closest friends, and had a large social circle.
Edward Kojo Agyekum, a son, was the couple’s fourth child and was born in 1968.
The family relocated to Accra when Theresa Kufuor’s husband was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1969 following the Progress Party’s victory in the general election. He was appointed deputy minister of foreign affairs, which required him to travel widely for official duties. Theresa concentrated on taking care of her kids, entertaining dignitaries, and standing by him. Because Kwabena Gyima Osei-Bonsu, her husband, was also a minister of state and an MP (for Asokwa), her best friend Justina had also relocated to Accra.
The paradise did not last long. The couple was awakened on January 13, 1972, to the news that Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong had ousted Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia’s administration and installed the National Redemption Council.
When Theresa was expecting her fifth child, her husband was taken into custody in Ussher Fort in Accra. She started seeing her husband in prison on a regular basis and started to reestablish her life with her four small children. Nsawam Prison was also housing her brother JH. She prayed and fasted, drawing strength from her Catholic faith.
During this time, her moral fortitude and resolve to get things her way were helpful. Her mother Maame and her eldest sister Cecilia’s husband Mr. Frimpong (also known as Bench) were among the family and friends who frequently visited the little Kanda house.
