Ghana is in mourning following the death of its former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a trailblazing stateswoman and one of the most influential women in the nation’s political history.
According to reports, Mrs. Rawlings passed away in the early hours of Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. She was 76 years old.
Sources close to the family indicate that she had been unwell for some time and was receiving medical treatment before her death. News of her passing quickly spread across the country, sparking an outpouring of grief and tributes from political leaders, women’s groups, and citizens who hailed her as a symbol of courage, service, and resilience.
A distinguished public life
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Central Region, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was educated at Achimota School before studying Art and Design at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST).
It was during her time at the university that she met Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, whom she married in 1977. Her life took a historic turn when her husband led the June 4, 1979, uprising and later the 31st December Revolution in 1981 — two pivotal moments that reshaped Ghana’s political direction.
As First Lady during the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) regime and later under the Fourth Republic, Nana Konadu emerged as a visible and influential figure in governance, championing national development and women’s empowerment.
Champion of women’s empowerment
In 1982, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM) — a pioneering organization dedicated to advancing the economic and social status of women, especially in rural Ghana.
Under her leadership, the DWM established preschools, launched microcredit schemes, and advocated for women’s active participation in local and national decision-making. The movement became one of the most dynamic women’s organizations in Africa, leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment.
Her efforts also influenced landmark national reforms, including the inclusion of women’s rights in the 1992 Constitution and the enactment of the Intestate Succession Law (PNDC Law 111), which safeguarded the inheritance rights of spouses and children — a groundbreaking stride for gender justice in Ghana.
A political trailblazer
Nana Konadu’s influence extended far beyond her role as First Lady. In 2011, she made history by contesting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential primaries against then-President John Evans Atta Mills, showcasing her independent political spirit and determination.
Following that bid, she founded the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 2012, serving as its first presidential candidate. Although her campaigns in 2012 and 2016 did not succeed, her courage and leadership opened doors for future generations of women to pursue political office at the highest levels.
Legacy and Family
Known for her elegance, confidence, and strong will, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings remained a steadfast advocate for social justice, gender equality, and national unity throughout her lifetime.
She was married to Jerry John Rawlings — Ghana’s longest-serving head of state — for more than four decades until his death in November 2020. Together, they raised four children, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey.
Her passing marks the end of an era — the close of a remarkable chapter in Ghana’s political story. Tributes continue to pour in from across the nation, celebrating her as a visionary who helped redefine the role of women in leadership and shaped the conscience of a country transitioning from military rule to democracy.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
