Dignitaries from near and far, including First Ladies of Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea, on Friday commemorated Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ life of service, bravery, and advocacy at her funeral service held at the Black Star Square in Accra.

The solemn and well-coordinated state funeral honoured Konadu’s legacy, courage, resilience, and her indomitable character, which touched many lives as Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady.

From the arrival of the cortege to the lifting of the casket to the Military Cemetery at Burma Camp for a private burial, the ceremony reflected the elegance and exceptional qualities of the illustrious stateswoman.

State officials, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, traditional leaders, security chiefs, political party representatives, and former students were among the dignitaries present to mourn the former First Lady.

Sympathizers filed past the casket, amidst biography readings and tributes, before the clergy continued with the order of service.

The Ghana Armed Forces Band provided a comforting ambience as President John Dramani Mahama, the Leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), children, family, and representatives of traditional authorities, later took turns to lay wreaths.

Former Presidents John Agyekum Kufour, and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his wife, Rebecca, as well as other personalities across the political divide were not left out.

Members of the 31st December Women’s Movement, clad in red scarves and black attire, turned up in their numbers to show solidarity.

President Mahama, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Lordina, and Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, led the Ghanaian community in bidding farewell to the late former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings at a state funeral in Accra.

She was the Founder and President of the 31st December Women’s Movement and the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings died on 23rd October, 2025, at the age of 76.

President Mahama, in a tribute to the former First Lady, read on his behalf by Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Advisor and Special Aide to the President, said Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings was a towering national figure whose influence, courage and contributions to Ghana would continue to resonate for generations.

“Nana Konadu was far more than a former First Lady”.

She was a pioneering leader, an unwavering champion of women’s empowerment, a trailblazer in our political landscape and a deeply committed patriot,” he said.

“Her life story is one defined by boldness- boldness to speak, to challenge, to lead and to stand resolutely for what she believed was right for Ghana.”

He said that as First Lady, Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings redefined the role and transformed it into a platform for national development.

He said that through her inspirational leadership of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings expanded opportunities for women and girls, especially in rural communities where support was most needed.

President Mahama noted that she championed literacy programmes, reproductive and maternal health, early childhood education and economic empowerment initiatives, long before these became central themes in the national development agenda.

He reiterated that her work touched thousands of families and laid the groundwork for many of the gender sensitive policies and social interventions that Ghana benefits from today.

The President said in public life, Nana Konadu was assertive, principled and unyielding in her convictions.

He said she was never afraid to push boundaries or to stand alone when her conscience called her to do so.

He said that, yet behind the determined public image was a warm, engaging, humorous woman, devoted to her family and fiercely protective of those she loved.

“As a mother, grandmother, sister, friend and mentor, she brought energy, clarity and purpose to every space she occupied.”

President Mahama said Nana Konadu lived her life of service, courage and deep conviction.

He said even in challenging moments of her national journey, she carried herself with dignity, always guided by her commitment to Ghana’s unity, progress and stability.

The President said Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings believed passionately in the transformative power of women and the potential of young people, and she dedicated her voice and influence to help uplift them.

“Her passing is a profound loss, not only to her beloved family, to whom Lordina and I extend our heartfelt condolences, but also to our nation,” he stated.

He said her demise marked the closing of an important chapter in Ghana’s political and social history, even as her example continues to inspire generations to come.

He said as the nation bid farewell to Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings, it celebrate a life richly lived, a life of leadership, advocacy, service and unbroken purpose, a life that challenged the nation to think boldly and to invest in the potential of its people, especially its women and children.

“On behalf of my family, on behalf of the National Democratic Congress and on behalf of a grateful nation, I honour her memory,” the President said.

“May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace and may her legacy continue to guide us toward a more just, inclusive and equitable Ghana,” President Mahama said.

Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the ruling NDC, described the late Konadu as “a foundational pillar” of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and the NDC and “the heartbeat” of a women’s movement that shaped Ghana’s political landscape.”

“Her work was practical, personal, and transformational…she lived with intention and served the country with unshakable conviction.”

The National Democratic Party (NDP) hailed the late Founder of the party as “a defender of truth,” emphasising that her vision of transparency, justice and empowerment would continue to guide its activities.

Members of the Achimota Old Students Association (1966/67) Year Group, shared fond memories of their departed comrade, highlighting the sporting, acting and music prowess of the astute First Lady.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings died on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at age 76. Beyond politics and advocacy, she had an abiding love for fashion, music, and the creative arts. Her elegance and confidence made her a symbol of grace and cultural pride.

Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, to J.O.T. Agyeman and Felicia Agyeman, both of blessed memory, the Ashanti royal grew up steeped in discipline, ambition and leadership.

 She attended Achimota School before studying Arts with a specialisation in Textile Design at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where she served as Deputy SRC Secretary, later SRC Secretary, and played active roles within the National Union of Ghana Students.

Her academic pursuits included a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts; a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from the Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979; a Certificate in Development from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in 1991; and a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies and Non-Profit Sector Economic Development from Johns Hopkins University in 1994.

Between 1974 and 1980, she worked with the Union Trading Company in Accra, and later with Nanali Africarts from 1980 to 1984. It was during this period that she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, which helped redefine the socio-economic empowerment of women across the country.

In 1977, she married Jerry John Rawlings, then an Air Force officer who would later become Head of State and President.

Their union was blessed with four children – Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina and Kimathi and formed a partnership that profoundly influenced Ghana’s political landscape and the advancement of gender equality.

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