Ghana is in mourning following the death of its former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) after a short illness. She was 76 years old. Her passing marks the end of an era for one of Ghana’s most influential women—an icon whose name became synonymous with women’s empowerment, political courage, and national service.
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Nana Konadu was educated at Achimota School and later at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she studied Art and Textiles. From her youth, she exhibited a rare combination of intellect, elegance, and leadership that would later define her public life. Her marriage to Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, Ghana’s former Head of State and later democratically elected President, placed her at the heart of Ghana’s political transformation during the 1980s and 1990s. Yet, she did not remain in the shadows of her husband’s prominence; instead, she carved a unique and powerful identity of her own.
As First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings transformed the role from a ceremonial position into an instrument for national development. In 1982, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, a nationwide organization that became one of the most impactful social movements in Ghana’s history. Through this movement, she championed women’s literacy, health education, income-generation, and political participation, reaching rural communities that had long been neglected. Thousands of Ghanaian women benefited from the initiative, gaining not only skills but also confidence to participate in decision-making processes in their homes and communities.
Her advocacy went beyond charity; it was a mission to empower women to claim their rightful place in society. The 31st December Women’s Movement was instrumental in influencing government policy on gender equality and social inclusion. It also inspired similar initiatives across Africa, earning her both local and international recognition. In many ways, Nana Konadu redefined what it meant to be a First Lady—not merely a supporter of her husband’s agenda, but an active partner in national transformation.
After her tenure as First Lady, Nana Konadu continued her political journey with characteristic determination. In 2012, she founded the National Democratic Party (NDP), becoming the first woman to run for President of Ghana. Although she did not win, her decision to contest broke barriers and served as a bold statement about women’s capacity to lead at the highest levels of government. Through her political career, she remained vocal about integrity, accountability, and good governance—principles she believed were essential for Ghana’s progress.
News of her death has drawn heartfelt tributes from across the country and beyond. Ghana’s Parliament observed a moment of silence and adjourned its sitting in her honour, while the Government of Ghana declared a three-day national mourning period to celebrate her legacy. Leaders from all political divides, women’s groups, civil society organizations, and international bodies have described her passing as a great loss not only to Ghana but to Africa as a whole. For many Ghanaian women, she was more than a public figure—she was a mentor, a role model, and a voice for the voiceless.
Nana Konadu’s legacy is deeply woven into Ghana’s social fabric. Her initiatives empowered rural women, advanced female education, and shaped national discourse on gender equity. Even in her later years, she remained an active participant in political and social discussions, reminding the nation that the fight for justice, fairness, and equality must never cease. She stood for progress, service, and resilience—qualities that defined her life from beginning to end.
Her passing comes five years after the death of her husband, Jerry John Rawlings, who died in November 2020. Together, they represented a generation of leadership that shaped Ghana’s modern political history. While they sometimes courted controversy, their impact on national development remains undeniable. Now, with Nana Konadu’s passing, Ghana bids farewell to one of its most formidable political matriarchs.
As the nation prepares for her funeral and memorial services, Ghanaians are united in gratitude for her life and service. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings will be remembered not only as a former First Lady but as a visionary, reformer, and champion of women’s empowerment whose influence will continue to inspire generations to come.
May her soul rest in perfect peace.
