Ghana has paid its final respects to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings on Friday, November 28, 2025, as tributes poured in from political parties and social movements celebrating the late Former First Lady’s life, legacy, and enduring influence.
The state funeral, held at Black Star Square, marked the culmination of decades of activism, leadership, and dedication to the advancement of women, children, and the broader Ghanaian society.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) led the tributes, recognising Nana Konadu as a trailblazer whose work reshaped Ghana’s political and social landscape. Delivering the homage on behalf of the party, General Secretary Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey reflected on her service, courage, and the foundations she laid for generations to come.
“Thank you, Nana Konadu. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for the lives you uplifted. Thank you for the foundations you laid – foundations that can never be erased from the history of the PNDC or the NDC. Your race is run, but your legacy endures. Your fire continues to burn in a new generation unafraid to be bold”
Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC General Secretary
Beyond emphasising her lasting influence on women and communities across the nation, the NDC also highlighted her historic presidential bid, which not only made her “the first woman to contest the presidency of the Republic of Ghana,” but broke barriers for women in Ghanaian politics.
Mr. Kwetey described her as “the very heartbeat of a movement that reshaped Ghana’s political, social, and democratic landscape,” acknowledging both her role in the PNDC and her continued influence in the NDC, including her election in 2009 as First Vice Chairperson – “a testament to her courage and her lifelong message that leadership is not a man’s birthright”
Celebrating Lifelong Vision
The National Democratic Party (NDP), which Nana Konadu founded in 2012, also paid homage during the state funeral.
Party officials emphasised her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to public service, noting her influence in inspiring generations of women to pursue political and governance roles.
“She was not only our founder but our guiding light, a mother, mentor and visionary who believed in service above self,” the NDP stated, praising her moral strength, intellectual clarity, and compassion.
The tribute also highlighted her patriotism, lifelong dedication to national progress, and demonstration of true leadership, which the NDP noted reaffirmed her enduring role in Ghanaian political history.
“She taught us that leadership is not inherited but earned through sacrifice, courage and a pursuit of justice. She lived for Ghana, worked for Ghana, and left behind a legacy that will forever guide the path of the National Democratic Party and the nation at large”
NDP
Hailing African Womanhood
The 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM), which Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings founded and nurtured, underscored her role as a symbol of African womanhood and empowerment.
During their tribute, the Movement recalled her decades-long advocacy for the vulnerable, particularly women and children, and her efforts in transforming the group from a small community initiative into one of the country’s most influential forces for women’s advancement.
“She was bold, articulate, principled and deeply dedicated to the people she served. She taught us to be fearless, to stand for justice and to serve with integrity. Her voice carried the wisdom of experience, the strength of conviction and the hope of a brighter Ghana with many more women contributing at decision-making levels.
“Even beyond Ghana’s borders, Her Excellency stood as a symbol of African womanhood and leadership. She represented our nation at international forums, championing gender equality and the rights of children”
The 31st December Women’s Movement
A Life of Service and Influence
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed away on October 23, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy spanning military and civilian administrations.
She served as First Lady from June 4 to September 24, 1979, under the AFRC; from December 31, 1981, to January 6, 1993, under the PNDC; and throughout her husband Jerry John Rawlings’ two constitutional terms from January 7, 1993, to January 6, 2001.
Beyond her ceremonial role, she was a political activist, a champion for women’s empowerment, and a pioneer of social advocacy in Ghana.
Her contributions extended beyond politics. Known for her vibrant personality, distinct fashion sense, and appreciation for the arts, Nana Konadu became a national figure embodying confidence and cultural expression.
The state funeral reflected the nation’s recognition of her decades of influence, celebrating not only her life in public office but also the countless lives she touched through her advocacy and activism.
The funeral ceremony was both a tribute and a reminder of her enduring impact. Across the NDC, NDP, and the 31st December Women’s Movement, the sentiments were unanimous: Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings shaped Ghana’s political, social, and cultural discourse in ways that will resonate for generations to come.
Her legacy of courage, service, and empowerment continues to inspire, setting a standard for leadership, advocacy, and dedication to national progress.
