Ghana is mourning the death of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who passed away at the age of 76 after a short illness. She was the widow of Jerry John Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving leader, who died five years ago.
News of her death was confirmed on Thursday morning, with tributes flooding social media from political leaders, activists, and citizens. Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said the late former First Lady had been unwell for a brief period before her passing.
Her family later paid a visit to President John Mahama to formally inform him of her death. Mahama, who leads the National Democratic Congress (NDC) a party founded by her husband expressed deep sorrow at her passing, describing her as “a pillar of strength and a voice for women’s empowerment.”
As First Lady, Agyeman-Rawlings was a prominent advocate for women’s rights. She founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, named after the date of her husband’s 1981 coup. The movement focused on empowering women across Ghana, teaching them income-generating skills and promoting community development.
In 2012, she made her own bid for political leadership, contesting to become the NDC’s presidential candidate. Although she was unsuccessful, her ambition reflected her independent spirit and passion for national progress.
Born in November 1948 in Cape Coast, Nana Konadu came from a middle-class family and attended the prestigious Achimota School in Accra, where she met her future husband. Unlike him, she pursued higher education, studying art and textiles at university.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings leaves behind a legacy of leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women in Ghana. Her passing marks the end of an era in the country’s political and social history.
