Ghana is in mourning following the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who died on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. She was 76 years old.
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast in the Central Region, Nana Konadu was a pioneering political figure and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. As the wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, she served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1979 to 2001, becoming an influential voice in the nation’s political and social development.
Throughout her public life, she championed initiatives that uplifted women and children, founding the 31st December Women’s Movement and later establishing the National Democratic Party (NDP). In 2016, she made history as the first woman to contest the presidency in Ghana.
Nana Konadu remained active in national life, with her last public appearance being her participation in the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Rawlings family or government representatives. However, tributes have begun pouring in from across the country, reflecting the deep respect and admiration she inspired.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings leaves behind a legacy of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to gender equality and social justice. Her vision and courage transformed lives, and her passing marks the end of an era in Ghana’s history.
