Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady and a steadfast advocate for women’s rights, has passed away at the age of 76.
She passed away in the early hours of yesterday at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital in Accra.
The head of the family, Otumfuo Akomfuohene Oheneba Akwesi Abayie, confirmed her death in a brief statement yesterday at the family’s residence at Ridge in Accra.
According to him, Nana Konadu fell ill earlier in the morning of yesterday and was taken to the Ridge Hospital, where she unfortunately passed.
“The President was informed accordingly, and an official statement has been issued to confirm her passing,” he said, adding that the family is in mourning and has requested privacy during this period.
A statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President, extended government’s deepest condolences to the immediate family of Mrs Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the country as Ghanaians mourn the loss of one of the nation’s most influential women.
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Nana Konadu was the daughter of J.O.T. Agyeman (deceased), a prominent businessman.
She attended Achimota School and later studied Art and Textiles at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi. In 1975, she earned a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts.
In 1977, she got married to late President Jerry John Rawlings, marking the beginning of a partnership that would profoundly impact Ghana’s political landscape.
As First Lady from 1979 to 1981 and again from 1981 to 2001, Nana Konadu transformed the role into one of active social and political advocacy.
She served from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), and again from December 31, 1981, to January 6, 1993, under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).
She continued in the role during her husband’s two constitutional terms from January 7, 1993, to January 6, 2001.
Nana Konadu founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982, a grassroots organisation that mobilised over two million women across Ghana, establishing more than 870 pre-schools and promoting women’s participation in politics and development.
In June 2012, she split from the NDC and formed the National Democratic Party (NDP). The Electoral Commission subsequently disqualified her and 11 other presidential candidates for failing to meet requirements before the September 30 deadline to file nomination documents.
Nana Konadu, however, made history in 2016 as the first woman to run for President of Ghana. Although she did not win, her candidacy inspired many and highlighted the need for greater female representation in politics.
She continued her advocacy through her book, It Takes a Woman, published in 2018, which chronicled her political journey and vision for women’s empowerment; her journey from her youth in 1948 through to her years in political and social advocacy.
The book was the first of four volumes she intended to publish, offering “deep insights into her political activism and experiences.”
Nana Konadu’s contributions extended beyond Ghana’s borders. She was a vocal advocate for women’s rights on the international stage, participating in global forums and championing gender equality. Her work earned her honorary degrees and recognition as a leading activist for African women.
Her passing marks the end of an era of dedicated service and advocacy. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and a lasting impact on the lives of countless women in Ghana and beyond.
As the nation mourns her loss, her life’s work continues to inspire and remind humanity of the power of one individual’s commitment to change.
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