President John Dramani Mahama today (October 23) led a sombre moment of silence in honour of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, after being formally informed of her demise.
The solemn tribute was observed just before the swearing-in ceremony of 37 newly appointed High Court Judges at the Jubilee House.
The President confirmed that the children of the late former First Lady and founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement (31st DWM) had followed due protocol to officially notify the state of their mother’s passing, which occurred earlier today, Thursday, October 23, at the age of 76.
Addressing the gathering, which included high-ranking judicial and political officials, President Mahama paused the official proceedings to reflect on the gravity of the news.
“This afternoon, I received a delegation of the children of our late mother, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, to inform me about her untimely and unfortunate passing,” President Mahama stated, his voice resonating with respect.
The President then requested a collective mark of honour for the woman who served as First Lady for nearly two decades (1981–2001) and became a political trailblazer by running as Ghana’s first female presidential candidate in 2016.
“…as we rise and pay a moment of silence to her memory, may the Almighty God grant her peaceful rest in His bosom. Thank you. Amen.”
Following the minute of silence, the ceremony proceeded, but the brief, poignant moment underscored the deep impact Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings had on the nation’s political landscape.
Her passing, coming four years after the death of her husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings, marks a significant loss for Ghana, particularly for the women’s empowerment movement, which she championed vigorously through the 31st DWM.
The state is expected to issue a formal release outlining funeral and state burial arrangements in the coming days, in consultation with the bereaved family.
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