By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Oct. 23, GNA – Ghana is mourning the loss of a towering figure in its political and social life, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, following her passing on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Across the nation and beyond, tributes have poured in from political leaders, diplomats, public institutions, and personalities in the arts and media.
Their messages echo one truth – that Ghana has lost not just a former long- serving First Lady, but a national icon whose strength and gender advocacy transformed generations.
Nana Konadu has invariably been described as “a true national treasure,” “an indomitable spirit,” and “a beacon of women’s empowerment” whose impact will continue to resonate through history.
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), her alma mater, paid glowing tribute to her legacy, describing her as “an illustrious alumna” and “one of Ghana’s most remarkable women.”
“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,” the University said.
It added that her “pioneering spirit, intellect, and resilience remain a source of pride for KNUST students and alumni.”
“She demonstrated the ideals we seek to instil in our students – integrity, service, and the courage to lead change,” the statement read, extending condolences to her family, Asanteman, and the people of Ghana.
For many, her mentorship went beyond politics. Dr Peter Boamah Otukunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, described her as “more than a mother.”
“She mentored and nurtured my political journey from my school days. Myself and many others are products of her compassion, mentorship, and love,” he wrote in a post on X.
Former First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo also extended her condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Mrs Rawlings, describing her passing as “a deep loss to the nation.”
Nana Kwame Bediako, Leader of the New Force, said Nana Konadu’s legacy “will live on in her daughters and in the lives she touched.”
“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,” he wrote.
The European Union Delegation in Ghana also honoured her for her “legacy of service and advocacy for the rights of women and the vulnerable.”
Madam Simone Giger, Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, expressed admiration for her “determination and dedication to women’s rights.”
Tributes from the creative industry were equally heartfelt. Actress Ama K Abebrese described her as “one of the strongest and most assertive women I have met. Indeed, a Konadu. May God give her eternal rest.”
Media personality Isreal Laryea wrote, “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.”
Beyond politics and advocacy, Nana Konadu had an abiding love for fashion, music, and the creative arts.
Her elegance and confidence made her a symbol of grace and cultural pride. She wore Ghanaian fabrics with flair and often championed African design both at home and abroad.
Her love for music and dance was infectious, for she never missed an opportunity to move to a good tune, whether at formal state events or social gatherings.
Those moments revealed her lighter side, said a journalist.
“She was a woman who balanced strength with warmth, leadership with laughter, and duty with an unyielding zest for life,” she added.
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Central Region, to the late J.O.T. Agyeman and his wife, Nana Konadu’s early life was marked by discipline, ambition, and leadership.
She attended Achimota School and continued to KNUST, where she read Art, specialising in Textiles.
There, she served as Deputy SRC Secretary, later becoming SRC Secretary, and held positions within the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS).
Her thirst for knowledge took her to the London College of Arts, where she earned a diploma in Interior Design.
In 1979, she obtained a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from the Management Development and Productivity Institute, and later, a Certificate in Development from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in 1991.
In 1994, she pursued a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies and Non-Profit Sector Economic Development at Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA.
Between 1974 and 1980, Nana Konadu worked with the Union Trading Company in Accra, before moving to Nanali Africarts between 1980 and 1984.
It was during this period that she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement – a landmark initiative that redefined the space for Ghanaian women in economic and social development.
Through it, thousands of women found a voice, skills, and empowerment.
In 1977, she married Jerry John Rawlings, an Airforce Officer, who would later become Head of State and President. Together, they shared four children – Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina, and Kimathi – and a partnership that profoundly influenced Ghana’s political landscape.
In 2009, she was elected First Vice Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Two years later, she contested the party’s flagbearership against then-President John Evans Atta Mills at the 2011 congress.
Though she lost, her courage to contest reaffirmed her reputation as a strong-willed and independent-minded woman.
In 2012, she founded the National Democratic Party (NDP), further cementing her place in Ghana’s political history.
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings leaves behind not only her children and grandchildren, but a nation that will forever remember her as a woman who dared, led, and blazed trails for others to follow.
GNA
23 October 2025
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage