Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has described the passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as a moment of deep national reflection, urging Ghanaians to learn from her strength, legacy, and dignity even in times of disagreement.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, October 24, after visiting the family to extend his condolences, Mr. Iddrisu said the news of her death was “incredibly shocking”.
He noted that her life should be remembered not only for her political role but for her unwavering commitment to empowerment, especially for women.
“Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was a stalwart and a founding member of the National Democratic Congress,” he said.
“She played her part and contributed immensely in the very formative and struggling years of the NDC. I recall coming here with the late Justice Annan, supported by President Rawlings, and many of us who later formed the NDC Youth Forum. Konadu used her own resources to finance the activities of the party in those difficult early years.”
He added that the party’s eventual rise to produce two presidents, the late John Evans Atta Mills and John Dramani Mahama, forms “part of her legacy and sacrifice.”
Touching on her lifelong advocacy, the Minister recalled her impact on women’s development across the country.
“For Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, women’s empowerment was her hallmark. She walked it, she lived it.
“I still recall some years back, when she came to Tamale in the Northern Region to commission a bread-baking facility to support women and mothers then in that region,” he said.
The Education Minister said Nana Konadu’s passing should inspire a moment of humility and introspection for the nation.
“Her departure should remind us that we should be measured, even in anger,” he noted.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025. She is being remembered nationwide for her leadership, her courage, and her enduring influence on Ghana’s political and social development.