She embodied womanhood at its most gracious. She cared for down-trodden strangers as though they were members of her own family. Married to the leader of the most promising country in Africa, she was on several occasions called upon to entertain VIP’s as well as to show the world why the man she ardently supports exudes a rare combination of confidence and humility. When she needed to step in the limelight, her elegance made her a natural for the red carpet. Yet when she needed to, she stayed in the background to allow her husband to be Prime Minister.
If Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia was the epitome of exemplary mannerism, his public persona was buoyed by a solid rock that evaporated his frustrations if Ghanaians went too far with their new found freedom of speech; a caring rock that made him human again after Ghanaians’ sky-high expectations at times drove him to assume supermanhood posture so as to meet them. Now, without warning, without so much as a direction on how to, and who should carry on the torch, former First Lady of Ghana Mrs Naa Morkor Busia has decided to join her husband in heaven leaving a vacuum in the party of her husband that would, without a doubt, take some getting used to.
Mrs. Naa Morkor Busia, was born on April 5, 1924 to Mr. Boler Quarminah King and Lekai Lartey Bruce of Sempe-James Town, Accra. She attended then Government Girls School, and Achimota Secondary School. She became a nurse, and later married Prof K. A. Busia, after a loving courtship. The couple was married at the premisses of the Oxford University, London, in 1950, by Rev. William Whittle, a long time friend, and mentor to then young Prof. Busia. Mrs. Busia leaves behind 5 children- Nii Bruce, Accra, Kofi Amaniampong Busia who resides in California, Prof. Abena Pokuah Busia, Rutgers Univ. Akosua Busia (Actress) and Yaw Owusu Busia, Dubai.
Mrs Naa Morkor Busia is described by her many admirers as a dedicated and supportive wife, and a loving mother to her children. Her selfless devotion to her husband, Prof. Busia, during his involvement in the struggle to end colonial rule in the then Gold Coast, and later as leader of opposition in parliament under Nkrumah's dictatorial government, endeared her to our hearts. During the family's many years in political exile, Naa Morkor remained a dedicated wife and the family's source of quiet strength.
As a first Lady, she inspired many young women to the virtue of self discipline, and to pursue educational goals, at a time when many thought it was unnecessary to educate women in the Ghanaian culture. She was a champion for the plight of ALL children.
Mrs. Naa Morkor Busia established the Busia Foundation International (BFI) and Lecture series in honor of the late Prime Minister Busia, in 1998. As the Foundation’s Director, Mrs Busia took BFI to heights unparalleled in the history of Ghana. The foundations events attracted leaders from around the world due to her organizational skills and the subject matter that she elected to highlight.
The New Patriotic Party, and indeed Ghana has lost one of her dynamic daughters with her passing. Let us remember the rest of the Busia and Bruce families in our prayers and in our thoughts, at the time of their great loss. Naa Morkor will be missed.
Nana Agyei Yeboah,
Chairman, NPP-USA.