Nation mourns former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

Tributes continue to pour in following the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, widow of the late President Jerry John Rawlings, who died on Thursday at the age of 76.

President John Dramani Mahama led the nation in mourning, declaring three days of state mourning in her honour. A government directive also ordered that flags fly at half-mast nationwide in recognition of her lifelong service to women’s empowerment, child welfare, and social development.

In a statement, Parliament described her death as “a great loss to the nation,” noting that “her life of service and dedication will remain a guiding light for generations to come.”

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, once a fierce political rival of the Rawlings family but later a close friend, praised the late First Lady as “a role model for women in Africa.” He lauded her “unwavering commitment to the growth of the women’s movement in Ghana and across the continent.”

The United Nations also paid tribute, describing Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings as “a trailblazer in women’s empowerment who reshaped Ghana’s national discourse on gender equity in the early 1990s and left an indelible mark on the global movement for women’s rights.”

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted her “unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls,” noting that “she didn’t just speak about women’s rights, she mobilised a movement.”

Former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo expressed her condolences to the Agyeman-Rawlings family, writing: “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. May her soul rest in peace.”

The Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, described her as “a woman of remarkable vision, courage, and conviction,” adding that “her influence will continue to resonate in the hearts of countless Ghanaians whose lives she touched through her compassion and leadership.”

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was a towering figure in Ghana’s political and social life for more than four decades. She served as First Lady from 1981 to 2001, following her husband’s brief earlier tenure in 1979.

She founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, one of Ghana’s most impactful organisations championing women’s rights, child welfare, and grassroots development, leaving behind a legacy of service, empowerment, and transformation.