Ghana is mourning the loss of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, whose death on Thursday, October 23, 2025, has drawn a nationwide outpouring of grief and tributes from political leaders, diplomats, public institutions, and citizens across the world.
The widow of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement was widely regarded as a transformative figure who championed women’s empowerment, gender equality, and social justice. Her passing marks the end of an era in Ghana’s political and social history — one shaped profoundly by her activism, intellect, and unrelenting spirit.
Mahama mourns a “true national icon”
President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama were among the first to express their condolences, describing the late Mrs. Rawlings as “a true national icon” whose work transcended politics.
In a statement, the first couple said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the former First Lady and Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Her legacy and dedication to empowering women and serving our country will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
President Mahama, who served under the Fourth Republic that Mrs. Rawlings helped shape alongside her husband, lauded her vision in placing women at the centre of Ghana’s development narrative — long before women’s leadership became a global priority.
President Akufo-Addo: A role model for women across Africa
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo also joined in mourning the passing of Mrs. Rawlings, describing her as “a role model for women in Ghana and across Africa.”
In a heartfelt message, President Akufo-Addo stated:
“My wife Rebecca and I are deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing of the wife of the late first President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings — the longest-serving First Lady in our history and Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement.”
He continued: “Mrs. Rawlings’ gender advocacy and women empowerment initiatives remain impactful to this day. Her commitment to the growth of the women’s movement in Ghana and Africa can never be forgotten. She was warm, affectionate, humorous, and excellent company.”
The President concluded his tribute with a prayer: “Rebecca, my children and I extend our deepest condolences to her children and family on this sad occasion. May her soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall meet again.”
Bawumia: A champion who mobilised a movement
Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also paid a glowing tribute, recalling Mrs. Rawlings’ pivotal role in mobilising a generation of women and girls to believe in their potential.
“To the children and family of the late Madam Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, I share in your sorrow and extend my deepest condolences on your loss,” Dr. Bawumia wrote.
“Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings leaves behind a legacy defined by her unwavering commitment to the nation’s women and girls. She didn’t just speak about women’s rights; she mobilised a movement.”
He added that her work “empowered countless women across Ghana to achieve financial independence and take up leadership roles,” describing her as “a champion of advocacy whose legacy will endure.”
Institutions honour her legacy
Tributes also poured in from academia and institutions that benefitted from her example and leadership.
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where Mrs. Rawlings once studied, described her as “an illustrious alumna” and “one of Ghana’s most remarkable women.”
In a statement, KNUST said: “Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings redefined the role of women in leadership, advocating tirelessly for social transformation and the inclusion of women in governance and national development. Her pioneering spirit, intellect, and resilience remain a source of pride for KNUST students and the alumni community.”
The university extended condolences to her family, Asanteman, and the people of Ghana, adding that “she demonstrated the very ideals we seek to instil in our students — integrity, service, and the courage to lead change.”
Emotional tributes from protégés and admirers
Dr. Peter Boamah Otukunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, described Mrs. Rawlings as “more than a mother,” recounting how she personally mentored him in his early political life.
“She mentored and nurtured my political journey from my school days,” he wrote in a post on X. “Myself and many others are a product of her compassion, mentorship and love.”
Nana Kwame Bediako, leader of The New Force movement, also expressed his sorrow, saying: “I saw you two weeks ago, radiant as ever. It’s hard to believe you’re gone, but I know you’re resting in divine peace. May your soul find eternal rest in the arms of the Almighty. You will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Condolences from the diplomatic and creative community
The European Union Delegation to Ghana and the Swiss Ambassador, Madam Simone Giger, were among the international figures to pay tribute to the late former First Lady.
In separate messages, they praised her “unwavering advocacy for women’s empowerment and the vulnerable,” describing her as “a leader whose work inspired lasting social change.”
Ghanaian actress Ama K. Abebrese wrote: “She is one of the strongest and most assertive women I have met. Indeed, a Konadu. May God give her eternal rest.”
Veteran journalist and broadcaster Israel Laryea added: “Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings will definitely be remembered for the impact she made with the 31st December Women’s Movement. This is sad news. But if there’s anything like life thereafter, I believe she gets to join Papa J.”
An enduring legacy of courage and conviction
As tributes continue to pour in, one theme resonates across political divides and generations — Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was a woman who dared to lead, challenge, and transform.
Through her advocacy, she not only reshaped the conversation about women’s roles in governance but also established a legacy of empowerment that continues to influence policy and inspire activism in Ghana and beyond.
Her name will forever be etched in the story of a nation she helped build — not only as the wife of Ghana’s longest-serving leader but as a formidable figure in her own right: an advocate, a reformer, and a woman who gave voice and power to others.
Profile
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast to the late J.O.T. Agyeman and his wife, Nana Konadu began her education at Achimota School and later studied Art with a specialisation in Textiles at KNUST.
She served as Deputy SRC Secretary and later SRC Secretary at KNUST, and held roles within the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS).
She earned an Interior Design diploma from the London College of Arts, a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from the Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979, and a Certificate in Development from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in 1991.
In 1994, she enrolled at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA, earning a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies and Non-Profit Sector Economic Development.
Between 1974 and 1980, she worked at Union Trading Company in Accra, and later at Nanali Africarts from 1980 to 1984.
During this period, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, an NGO focused on women’s empowerment.
She married Airforce Officer Jerry John Rawlings in 1977, and together they had four children: Ezenator, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi.
In 2009, she was elected First Vice Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). She later contested the party’s flagbearership in 2011 but lost to President John Evans Atta Mills.
Following the contest, she left the NDC and founded the National Democratic Party in October 2012.
