Ghana’s former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings dies at 76

Ghana’s former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, has died at the age of 76.

Agyeman-Rawlings, widow of Ghana’s longest-serving leader, Jerry John Rawlings, was a prominent political figure and an unwavering advocate for women’s rights and national development.

Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that she passed away on Thursday morning after a brief illness.

Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from Ghanaians and international figures, celebrating her as a pioneer for women’s empowerment and a major contributor to Ghana’s political and social growth.

Her family visited former President John Mahama later in the day to formally inform him of her passing. Mahama currently leads the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the political party founded by her late husband.

As First Lady, Agyeman-Rawlings founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, an initiative that empowered women through economic and community development programs. Her efforts also influenced Ghana’s 1989 inheritance law and helped secure gender equality provisions in the 1992 constitution.

Born in November 1948 in Cape Coast, she studied art and textiles at the university and married Jerry Rawlings in 1977. The couple had four children, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a Member of Parliament under the NDC.

Ghana’s Parliament has adjourned in her honor as the country prepares to officially mourn one of its most influential female leaders.