Ghana is mourning the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a trailblazing political figure and women’s rights advocate who left an indelible mark on the country’s socio-political landscape.
She reportedly passed away at the age of 76.
According to family sources, she died in the early hours of Thursday, October 23, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Rawlings family or government representatives.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, was a prominent political figure and champion of women’s empowerment in Ghana. A formidable presence in national politics, she played a key role in shaping Ghana’s social and political discourse for decades.
She is survived by her children — Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, and Kimathi Rawlings — and several grandchildren.
She was the founder and leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), which she established after parting ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) — the party co-founded by her husband.
Beyond politics, Nana Konadu was widely admired for her advocacy on gender equality, particularly through the 31st December Women’s Movement, which championed women’s rights, education, and social welfare initiatives across the country.
In recent weeks, the former First Lady had made several public appearances, including at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House, where she joined dignitaries to lay wreaths in honour of the eight public servants who lost their lives in a helicopter accident.
She also attended the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, where she was accompanied by two of her children — Amina Agyeman-Rawlings and Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings — to console Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings leaves behind a legacy of courage, advocacy, and leadership, marking the end of an era in Ghana’s political history.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements and official tributes are expected to be announced in the coming days.
