Ghana’s Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Dies at 76
Ghana is in mourning following the death of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings at the age of 76 after a brief illness. She was the widow of Jerry John Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving leader, who passed away five years ago. Rawlings rose to power through two military coups and later served two terms as president under the country’s multiparty system. Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed her passing, and her family formally informed President John Mahama later Thursday. Mahama, leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) founded by Rawlings, paid tribute to her during the swearing-in of new High Court justices. Born in November 1948 in Cape Coast, Agyeman-Rawlings came from a middle-class background and attended Achimota School in Accra, where she met her future husband. She later studied art and textiles, while Rawlings joined the Air Force and became a flight lieutenant in 1978, a year after their marriage. By the time Rawlings assumed power in 1979 at age 32, Nana Konadu had become a key adviser and partner in one of Ghana’s most influential political duos. The couple had four children, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, now an NDC member of parliament. Agyeman-Rawlings was a tireless advocate for women’s rights, playing a major role in shaping national policies. She helped pass the 1989 law guaranteeing inheritance rights for women and children and contributed to the gender equality provisions of Ghana’s 1992 constitution, which marked the start of multiparty democracy. Parliament adjourned in her honor, and tributes flooded social media celebrating her pioneering work. Richmond Rockson, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, called her “an exceptional First Lady whose visionary leadership and organizational skills left an indelible mark on Ghana’s history.” He added, “She stood firmly by Chairman Jerry John Rawlings during the revolution, displaying courage, loyalty, and resilience. Her commitment to women’s empowerment led to the creation of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which she led as president.” Agyeman-Rawlings also pursued her own political career, contesting the NDC’s presidential ticket in 2012. Through the 31st December Women’s Movement, named after the date of her husband’s second coup, she focused on empowering women and advancing community development through education and entrepreneurship, leaving a lasting legacy in Ghanaian politics and society.
