The late Emily Akuffo's family notified President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of her death yesterday. She was the wife of a previous Head of State, Lieutenant General Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo.
She died a few hours before her 88th birthday on April 8, this year.
Lt. Gen. Akuffo was installed in power in a military coup, then deposed and killed three weeks later on June 26, 1979.
The one-week rituals will be conducted on April 27, this year, at the Christ Presbyterian Church in Akropong Akwapim, where she was a senior presbyter, according to the family's spokesperson, Paul Koranteng.
Condolences
President Akufo-Addo offered his sympathies to the children and family, promising that the government will do all possible to ensure that she was given a proper send-off.
He stated that the administration was awaiting the final funeral rites date so that he could attend "because I would very much like to be present for her send-off."
President Akufo-Addo characterised the former First Lady as "quite lively, vibrant, and active, a woman of immense charm" when he met her in her prime.
Appreciation
Barbara Akuffo, the former First Lady's daughter, complimented President Akufo-Addo for taking an interest in and supporting their mother.
"On behalf of Mrs Emily Akuffo's children, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to you. You've always been supportive of us. You were always there for us when we needed you. Thank you so much for everything. "We appreciate you very much for taking the time to be with mother despite your hectic schedule," she continued.
Ms Akuffo said the family was always amazed that the Chief of Staff in the Presidency, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, never missed their mother's birthday and always made sure it was special, despite her hectic schedule.
The Chief of Staff was with her till two days before she died, she added.