Former United Nations Governance Advisor Baffour Agyeman-Duah has described the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as a sudden shock, praising her political courage and tireless advocacy for women.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, October 23, Mr. Agyeman-Duah said, “I was shocked when I heard the news, because we never heard that she was sick. In fact, during the Asantehene’s funeral, she came. I remember seeing her with her children going to pay homage to the Asantehene.”
He added, “Even I understand if it is correct that yesterday she also went to commiserate with the former head of Fidelity Bank. So it came very suddenly. For me, that is where the shock is.”
Describing her unique character, he said, “Nana Konadu Agyeman is one of a kind. I have to say, she’s one of a kind.”
Reflecting on her political role, Mr. Agyeman-Duah explained, “If you recall the so-called Revolutionary Base, she was one pillar in the whole move—not at the forefront, but behind her husband, who was the leader of the revolution.”
He added, “Even if you don’t like her, you have to admire her courage, her courage in many ways.”
Highlighting her influence on Ghanaian politics, he stated, “She was politically active and politically engaged, and to some extent I can even say that she helped in shaping the politics of this country. For better or for worse, she did. You know, she had the courage to even take away from a party that I believe she was part of the founding —that’s the NDC – to form her political party. All this is to demonstrate the political courage of the person that we have just lost.”
Turning to her advocacy for women, Mr. Agyeman-Duah observed, “For me, I think talking about her, you also cannot forget talking about her advocacy for women’s empowerment—the 31st December Movement that she formed.”
He continued, “Whether you like it or not, she went far with it in supporting women in the country to be empowered in various ways, in industries and other works.”
Reflecting on her life and legacy, Baffour Agyeman-Duah noted, “So looking back, Nana Konadu Agyeman certainly lived a very fruitful life.”
Nana Konadu, who was widely respected for her advocacy on women’s rights and her role in Ghana’s political landscape, passed away after she was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings served as First Lady from 1981 to 2001 alongside her late husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings.
She founded the National Democratic Party (NDP) after she left the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and was widely recognised for her strong advocacy on women’s empowerment and social development.