Tributes are pouring in from government officials and former leaders following the passing of Ghana’s former first Lady and founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
The former First Lady passed away on Thursday, October 23, at the age of 76.
President John Dramani Mahama, in a Facebook post on Friday, expressed deep sorrow over her passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former First Lady and founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, H.E. Mrs Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Her legacy and dedication to empowering women and serving our nation will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences go to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. May her soul rest in perfect peace,” he wrote.
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), describing Mrs Rawlings as a “role model for women in Ghana and across Africa,” noting that her advocacy for women’s empowerment “remains impactful to this day.”
My wife Rebecca and I are deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing of the wife of the late first President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, the longest serving First Lady in our history and the Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, H.E.… pic.twitter.com/CXXycQs0vm
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also expressed his condolences, highlighting Mrs Rawlings’ role as a trailblazer in women’s empowerment.
“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.
To the children and family of the late Madam Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, I share in your sorrow and extend my deepest condolences on your loss.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings leaves behind a legacy defined by her unwavering commitment to the nation’s women and girls. Throughout… pic.twitter.com/xUOCE8X9kz
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, described the late First Lady as “an iconic figure in Ghana’s political and social history.”
“She was a woman of courage, conviction and an unyielding commitment to the empowerment of women and the advancement of our nation,” he stated.
I have received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Another NPP flagbearer aspirant, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, said that Mrs Rawlings’ “legacy of service, women empowerment, and unwavering love for Ghana will continue to inspire generations.”
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the former First Lady of the Republic.
Her legacy of service, women empowerment, and unwavering love for Ghana will continue to inspire generations.
Former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo also shared a heartfelt message, writing:
“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.”
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings in these difficult times.
Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, wrote, “Rest in peace, former First Lady,” while Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah described her as “a formidable advocate and a true champion for women’s inclusion and gender parity.”
It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of Her Excellency Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady.
Mrs. Rawlings was a formidable advocate and a true champion for women’s inclusion and gender parity. Ghana has lost a colossus in our… pic.twitter.com/aP3tjwyMEQ
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, called her “a powerhouse in all your shades,” adding that Mrs Rawlings “left a lasting legacy in the fight for women’s and girls’ rights.”
A power house you were. In all your shades. You left a lasting legacy in the fight for women and girls rights. pic.twitter.com/PG7hbmjmYy
Senior Presidential Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, celebrated her as “an exceptional woman whose extraordinary life will be remembered,” noting her distinctive style and lifelong commitment to women’s and children’s rights.
The people of Ghana are paying tribute to the iconic former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, a pioneering figure whose unwavering commitment to women’s and children’s rights has had a lasting impact.
Several other politicians, including Patrick Boamah, Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, and the General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, also paid tribute.
Mr Kwetey described her as “a force of impact for women and children,” while Haruna Iddrisu said, “The nation mourns deeply the loss of former First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Our hearts go out to her immediate family during this sorrowful time.”
Rest in peace, Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. You were indeed a force of impact for women and children! A life of service well remembered. pic.twitter.com/ZFz1CqGdS6
Flagbearer aspirant of the NPP, Dr Bryan Acheampong, also mourned the late First Lady, saying:
“I’m saddened by the passing of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, our former First Lady. She championed women’s rights with distinction. My heartfelt condolences to her family and all who mourn. May she rest in peace.”
I’m saddened by the passing of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, our former First Lady.
She championed women’s rights with distinction.
My heartfelt condolences to her family and all who mourn. May she rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/hWv4qq4bdj
Former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, described her as “a great woman of courage, vision, and service.”
“Your legacy in women’s empowerment and national development will never be forgotten. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings,” he wrote.
Ghana has lost a great woman of courage, vision, and service. Your legacy in women’s empowerment and national development will never be forgotten. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.#RestInPeacepic.twitter.com/fn8zrEoOmQ
Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Peter Boamah Otokunor, in an X post, described the news as “very sad and debilitating,” adding that Ghana had lost “the mother of our Fourth Republic and the nation’s mother.”
Very sad and debilitating news. Indeed we have lost a mother, the mother of our 4th Republic and the nation’s mother.
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings was more than a mother to me. She mentored and nurtured my political journey from my school days. Myself and many others are a… pic.twitter.com/t6pZAABJWQ
He said Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings “mentored and nurtured” his political journey from his school days, noting that many, including himself, were “products of her compassion, mentorship and love.” He extended his condolences to her children and family, praying that her “beautiful, vibrant soul rests in perfect peace.
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