President Akufo-Addo (R) with First Lady Adeline Yeboakwa Akufo-Addo (L)
In late February and early March 1971, several churches in the country held special thanksgiving services to celebrate the recovery of President Edward Akufo-Addo, who had been down with illness.
The president had taken ill in October 1970 and was flown to London for medical treatment. After treatment and recovery, he returned home in February 1971.
According to Reuters newsreel footage shared by Ghana Facts and History, congregations filled sanctuaries on Sunday, 28 February 1971, with President Akufo-Addo, his wife, and Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia in attendance at the flagship service in Accra.
The President and First Lady were seen entering the church to warm applause, joining clergy and prominent figures, including Minister J. H. Ofori-Atta and Rev. Sintim Misah.
The mood in the packed church was celebratory, with worshippers singing and offering prayers of thanksgiving and blessings for the Ghanaian leader.
Edward Akufo-Addo, serving as Ghana’s ceremonial President under Prime Minister Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, assumed office on 31 August 1970 until his deposition by coup d’état on 13 January 1972.
He was a member of the “Big Six” leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and one of the founding fathers of Ghana who engaged in the fight for Ghana’s independence.
He became the Chief Justice (1966–70), and later ceremonial President of the Republic of Ghana.
He later died on July 17, 1979.
Edward Akufo-Addo is the father of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
ID/EB
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