Ghana is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic and trailblazing women, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, who passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. She was 76 years old. Her passing marks the end of an era in Ghana’s political and social history — one defined by resilience, reform, and relentless advocacy for women’s empowerment.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings (née Agyeman) was raised in an environment that valued education, discipline, and civic responsibility. She began her education at Ghana International School before continuing at Achimota School, where she would later meet her future husband, Jerry John Rawlings, the man who would become Ghana’s longest-serving Head of State.
After completing her secondary education, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Textiles at the University of Science and Technology (now the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology — KNUST). Her creative talent and intellectual curiosity later took her abroad, where she earned a Diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts in 1975.
Over the years, Nana Konadu expanded her academic and professional horizons, earning additional diplomas in Personnel Management and Development Studies from institutions in Ghana. She also completed fellowships in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management in the United States, solidifying her reputation as a woman of intellect, versatility, and vision.
Role as First Lady and Political Career
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings served as Ghana’s First Lady during two critical political periods — first in 1979, under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), and later from 1981 to 2001, covering the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and the Fourth Republic. Her time in public service spanned both military and democratic governments, making her Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady.
In 1982, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement (DWM) — an organization that became the heartbeat of Ghana’s women’s empowerment movement. The DWM sought to improve the lives of women through education, healthcare, economic independence, and political participation. Under her dynamic leadership, the movement grew to over two million members and established a nationwide network of women-led projects that transformed communities across Ghana.
Her leadership and activism soon extended into mainstream politics. In 2009, Nana Konadu was elected First Vice Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the party her husband founded. However, in 2012, she broke away from the NDC and established the National Democratic Party (NDP), driven by her vision for inclusive leadership and reform.
In 2016, she made history by becoming the first woman to contest the presidency of Ghana, running on the ticket of the NDP. Her courage and determination to break barriers earned her international recognition, with admirers calling her “the Hillary Clinton of Africa.” Though she did not win, her bold entry into Ghana’s presidential race redefined women’s political participation and inspired many young female leaders across the continent.
Advocacy and Impact
Throughout her public life, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings was unwavering in her commitment to gender equality, social justice, and community development. Through the 31st December Women’s Movement, she championed initiatives that directly improved the quality of life for thousands of Ghanaian families.
Under her guidance, the DWM established over 870 pre-schools across the country, many in rural and underserved areas. These early childhood education centers provided children with access to basic education, while giving mothers the opportunity to engage in income-generating activities. The movement also promoted adult literacy programs, family planning, maternal health care, and child welfare, all aimed at strengthening family life and community well-being.
Her advocacy extended to shaping national policy. She was a driving force behind the passage of the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) — landmark legislation that protected the inheritance rights of widows and children, particularly in customary marriages. The law was revolutionary in ensuring fairness and equity in property ownership, especially for women who were often marginalized under traditional systems.
Her influence also played a key role in Ghana becoming the first country to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1991, reflecting her deep concern for children’s welfare and human rights.
Beyond legislation, Nana Konadu’s relentless grassroots mobilization changed the face of Ghanaian politics. She inspired a generation of women to take up leadership roles at local and national levels, leading to a significant increase in female representation in Parliament during the early 1990s.
She believed that empowering women was essential to national development, often saying, “No nation can develop when half of its population is left behind.” Her words became a rallying call for gender parity in governance and continue to resonate in women’s advocacy circles today.
Legacy
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings’ passing leaves behind a profound legacy as one of Ghana’s most influential women — a reformer, visionary, and pioneer who dedicated her life to advancing the rights and dignity of women. Her life was a testament to determination, courage, and service.
She redefined the role of a First Lady in Ghana, transforming it from a ceremonial position into one of active engagement and leadership. Through her initiatives, she demonstrated that women could be both compassionate nurturers and formidable leaders in the political, social, and economic spheres.
Her voice, often firm yet compassionate, shaped national conversations on gender, governance, and equality. Even after leaving political office, she remained active in public discourse, mentoring young women, supporting charitable causes, and advocating for inclusive development.
Today, Ghana and Africa at large remember her not only as the wife of a former president but as a leader in her own right — one who dared to challenge societal boundaries and created pathways for women to rise.
As tributes pour in from across the continent, one thing remains clear: Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings’ story is one of enduring impact and inspiration. Her vision continues to guide Ghana’s progress toward gender equality and national transformation.
She leaves behind her children and grandchildren, as well as millions of admirers who celebrate her for a life devoted to justice, empowerment, and service to humanity.
May her soul rest in perfect peace.
— Africa Live News
