The Government of Ghana, under the auspices of President John Mahama, has announced plans to hold a state funeral for the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Independence Square in Accra.
In a statement signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency said the state funeral is in recognition of Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings’ invaluable contributions to the advancement of the rights of women and children in Ghana and to national development.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra at the age of 76.
Her passing was met with widespread grief across the country, as tributes poured in from political leaders, civil society organisations, and ordinary Ghanaians who remembered her as a trailblazer and advocate for women’s empowerment.
Following her death, Parliament suspended its sitting in her honour, while her family appealed to the public for privacy during the mourning period.
Nana Konadu’s public life spanned more than four decades. As Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady, she transformed what had been a largely ceremonial role into one of active social and political engagement.
She served alongside her husband, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, first during the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council era in 1979, and later throughout his two decades in power from 1981 to 2001.
Beyond her role as First Lady, Nana Konadu was a pioneer in the fight for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
In 1982, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, a nationwide organisation that mobilised women, especially in rural communities, to participate in education, entrepreneurship, and local governance.
Through the movement’s initiatives, numerous preschools were established, and literacy programmes were rolled out across the country.
Her advocacy also contributed to key legal reforms, including the passage of the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111), which strengthened inheritance rights for widows and children.
Her work reshaped public policy on gender and social development, earning her respect both locally and internationally.
In 2016, Nana Konadu made history as the first woman in Ghana to run for President, contesting on the ticket of the National Democratic Party (NDP), a political organisation she founded after leaving the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Her bold decision was seen as a defining moment for women in politics, reinforcing her reputation as a fearless and independent-minded leader.
The upcoming state funeral at Independence Square is expected to bring together government officials, diplomats, political figures, and members of the public to celebrate her life and legacy.
The Presidency has indicated that further details about the funeral programme will be communicated in due course.
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