A quiet stillness is expected to settle over the Black Star Square on Friday as mourners from all walks of life gather to honour Ghana’s departed longest-serving First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, on her final journey to eternity.
Preparations at the Square were completed on Thursday, November 27, with security and State protocol teams working in concert to ensure a ceremony befitting her national stature and regal heritage.
State officials, political leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, parliamentarians, traditional authorities, gender advocates, the clergy and other dignitaries are expected at the State Funeral, which is scheduled to begin at 0800 hours.
A solemn Requiem Mass was held on Wednesday, November 26, at the Accra Ridge Church, where prayers and tributes reflected the deep imprint she left on the nation.
Her family expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for the unwavering support shown since her passing on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Nana Konadu, Founder of the 31 December Women’s Movement, is remembered as a transformative figure whose strength, activism and unyielding advocacy for women’s empowerment shaped national development.
Public tributes have described her as “a true national treasure”, “an indomitable spirit”, and “a beacon of women’s empowerment”.
Among the messages was one from Madam Simone Giger, Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, who praised her “determination and dedication to women’s rights”.
Beyond politics and public service, Nana Konadu had a vibrant love for fashion, music, dance and the creative arts.
Her elegance and confidence established her as a symbol of cultural pride for generations.
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, to J.O.T. Agyeman and Felicia Agyeman, both of blessed memory, the Ashanti royal grew up steeped in discipline, ambition and leadership.
She attended Achimota School before studying Arts with a specialisation in Textile Design at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where she served as Deputy SRC Secretary, later SRC Secretary, and played active roles within the National Union of Ghana Students.
Her academic pursuits included a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts; a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from the Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979; a Certificate in Development from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in 1991; and a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies and Non-Profit Sector Economic Development from Johns Hopkins University in 1994.
Between 1974 and 1980, she worked with the Union Trading Company in Accra, and later with Nanali Africarts from 1980 to 1984. It was during this period that she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, which helped redefine the socio-economic empowerment of women across the country.
In 1977, she married Jerry John Rawlings, then an Airforce Officer who would later become Head of State and President.
Their union was blessed with four children – Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina and Kimathi – and formed a partnership that profoundly influenced Ghana’s political landscape and the advancement of gender equality.
Source: GNA
The post Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings final burial rites appeared first on Ghana Business News.
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