Ghana today bids an emotional farewell to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the nation’s longest-serving First Lady and one of its most influential women’s rights activists, as she is laid to rest at a state funeral in Accra.
The ceremony, taking place at Independence Square, marks the final chapter in the life of a woman widely remembered as bold, outspoken, full of energy and deeply committed to national development.
A Life of Purpose and Activism
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Nana Konadu rose from her early days as a student of Achimota School and later KNUST to become one of the fiercest advocates for women’s empowerment in Ghana’s history.
In 1982, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, a transformative organisation that mobilised millions of women across the country. Under her leadership, the movement established hundreds of preschools, improved community health, advanced women’s economic empowerment and helped shape key reforms on inheritance and child welfare.
Her years as First Lady — 1979 briefly, and then from 1981 to 2001 — redefined the role entirely, turning it from ceremonial to influential.
Political Pioneer
After leaving office, Nana Konadu remained active in national politics. She became First Vice Chairperson of the NDC in 2009 and later made history in 2016 when she contested the presidency — becoming the first woman to run for the highest office in Ghana.
Her political courage earned her admiration even among critics. For many Ghanaian women, she symbolised possibility.
A Vibrant Personality Remembered
Beyond activism and politics, Nana Konadu was known for her charisma, her strong voice, her humour, and her unmistakable presence. She championed African fashion, identity and pride, often appearing in bold traditional prints that became part of her signature.
Friends, family and political figures have described her as “fearless”, “full of life”, and “unapologetically Ghanaian”.
Final Goodbye
Nana Konadu passed away on October 23, 2025, at age 76. Today’s state funeral brings together dignitaries, women’s groups, political leaders and ordinary Ghanaians whose lives were touched by her work.
As she goes home, Ghana honours not just a former First Lady, but a visionary who shifted mindsets, fought tirelessly for women and children, and lived life with unmatched passion.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings leaves behind a legacy of courage — one that continues to inspire a new generation of Ghanaian leaders, especially women, to rise, speak and lead.
