Tributes pour in memory of Ghana’s longest serving First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

Tributes are pouring in for former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, widow President Jerry John Rawlings, who died Thursday aged 76.   

President John Dramani Mamaha led the tributes and declared three days state mourning in honour of the longest serving First Lady of Ghana.    

A government statement directed that all flags must fly at half-mast nationwide to honour her service in women’s empowerment, child welfare, and social development.   

The Parliament of Ghana expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her demise as a great loss to the nation.    

“Her life of service and dedication to our nation will remain a guiding light for generations to come,” a statement from Parliament said.   

Former President Akufo-Addo, who used to a fierce critic of Mr Rawlings but became a friend of his household in later years, described Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as “role model for women in Africa.”   

“Her commitment to the growth of the women’s movement in Ghana and Africa can never be forgotten.” President Akufo-Addo said in a statement.    

The United Nations described Mrs Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as a trailblazer in women’s empowerment.   

“…she reshaped Ghana’s national discourse on gender equity in the early 1990s and left an indelible mark on the global movement for women’s rights,” the UN said in a statement.    

Former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia extoled the contributions of Mrs Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings to the promotion of women’s rights on the continent.    

“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 said.   

Former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo expressed her condolences to the Agyeman-Rawlings family.   

“My deepest condolences to the family and friends of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings in these difficult times. May her soul rest in peace,” she said.   

The Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie described Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as a woman of remarkable vision, courage and conviction.   

“While her passing marks the end of an era, her influence will continue to resonate in the, hearts of countless Ghanaians whose lives she touched through her service, compassion, and leadership,” a statement from the Judiciary said.   

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was a prominent figure in Ghana’s political and social life for over four decades.    

She served as First Lady during her husband’s tenure as Head of State and later as President, first briefly in 1979 and again from 1981 to 2001.    

As First Lady, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, which became one of Ghana’s most influential organisations promoting women’s rights, child welfare, and grassroots development. 

Source: GNA 

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